PAMPHL 


VALEY 


BRE  EXERCISE 


M\ 


II 


By   GEORGE   PATTEN 


RIC 


STREET, 


NOW  READY 


Instructions  in  Heavy  Artillery.   By  a  Board 

of  U.  S.  Officers.     With  Illustrations,    '       $5  00 

Notes  on  Artillery.    By  Major  BrounJw  C.  S. 
Army,  V  "  50 

The  Volunteers  Camp  and  Field  Book.       75 

The   Ordnance  Manual.     With  Steel  Uln    r 
tions.     (Scarce.)  $5  00 

Mahans'  Field  Fortifications,  with  plates.  |2 

Bobert's  Hand-Book  of  Artillery.  Jl 

Gilham's  Instruction  for  Field  Artillery,      r 

Napoleon's  Maxims  of  War.  ?i  00 

Gary's  Bayonet  Exercise  and  Skirmishers 
Drill.  81 

Manual  of  Arms  for  Heavy  Infantry.  25 

The  Volunteers  Hand-Book.    An  Abridgement 
of  Hardee's  Tactics.  50 

Address  orders  to 

WEST  &  JOHNSTON, 
Booksellers  and  Publishers, 

145  Main  Street,  Richmond* 


CA VALET  DRILL 


SABRE  EXERCISE, 


\ 


AGREEABLY  TO  THE  LATEST    REGULATIONS  OF  THE 
WAR  DEPARTMENT. 


FROM 


3 

Stankvb  Pilitara  Mw% 


fc 


By   GEORGE    PATTEN 


RICHMOND! 

WEST  &  JOHNSTON,  145  MAIN  STREET, 
1862. 


4 


PREFACE 


The  following  work  is  presented  with  the  hope  of  meet- 
ing a  want,  now  felt  by  the  mounted  troops  called  into  ac- 
tive service.  The  knowledge  of  tactics  acquired  by  militia 
•seldom  extends  beyond  the  requirement  of  infantry  move- 
ments, so  that  the  number  possessing  an  acquaintance  with 
the  drill  and  evolutions  of  mounted  troops  is  compara- 
tively small.  It  is  therefore  essential  that  the  general 
principles  of  Cavalry  Instruction,  and  the  main  details  of 
the  Cavalry  Drill,  should  be  speedily  acquired  by  all  enter- 
ing this  branch  of  service, 

This  book  is  designed  to  impart  such  instruction  in  a 
manner  easily  to  be  understood  by  the  tyro  in  military 
knowledge;  enabling  the  intelligent  private  to  fully  under- 
stand the  various  movements  in  which  he  takes  a  part,  and 
affording  the  necessary  instruction  to  officers  to  render  them 
proficient  in  the  various  details  of  the  schools  of  the 
Trooper,  Platoon,  and  Squadron. 

Besides  which,  the  sabre  exercise  is  given,  with  numer- 
ous illustrations  of  the  several  positions  of  attack  and  de- 
fence.    These,   and   the   diagrams   of   the    cavalry  move- 


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2i%J.p  /Z.qDiVDO  oqj  !jnas9.id  0}  pajq'eaa  uooq  suq  J9{idmoo  oq? 
'so^g  3^jap8juo()  oq)  jo  A*auy  oq^  ui  pooTuqiuo  qou  sdocu? 
pG}unom  oj  uoyjoiu^sui  \[v  ^jom.  sup  iuojj  Suiprqoxa  jCft 

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i  Saojaq  fov$  qoiq/A  oj  yxo')  oip  ij^tm.  paj-iosui  oarc  'sjuotn 


CAYALRY  DRILL. 


PART    FIRST. 

INSTRUCTION  ON  FOOT. 


ARTICLE  FIRST. 

Definitions  and  General  Principles. 

A  Troop  is  composed  of  ranks  and  files. 

A  Rank  is  composed  of  men  abreast  of  eacli  other. 

A  File  is  composed  of  two  men,  one  behind  the  other. 

File-leader  is  a  man  of  the  front  rank  of  a  troop, 
relatively  to  the  one  who  is  behind  him  in  the  rear  rank. 

File-closer  is  an  officer  or  Sergeant  posted  behind  the 
rear  rank. 

Front  is  the  direction  perpendicular  to  the  alignment  of 
a  troop  and  before  it,  either  in  column  or  in  line. 

Centre  is  the  middle  of  a  troop. 

Wings  are  the  two  grand  divisions  into  which  any  body 
of  men  is  divided,  when  in  line. 

Flank  is  the  right  or  left  side  of  a  column,  or  line. 

Interval  is  the  vacant  space  between  two  troops,  or 
between  the  fractions  of  a  troop  in  line.  It  refers  more 
particularly  to  the  space  which  the  squadrons  of  a  regi- 
ment in  line  should  preserve  between  each  other. 

Tbis  interval  is  twelve  paces,  (twelve  yards,)   measurod 


DEFINITIONS   AND   GENERAL   PRINCIPLES. 

from  the  knees  of  the  Sergeant  (not  counted  in  the  rank) 
on  the  left  of  a  squadron,  to  the  knees  of  the  Sergeant 
on  the  right  of  the  squadron  which  follows  in  order  of 
battle. 

On  foot,  it  is  measured  frqm  the  elbows  of  the  same 
Sergeants. 

Distance  is  the  vacant  space  from  one  troop  to  another 
in  column,  or  between  the  ranks  of  a  troop,  either  in  line 
or  in  column. 

The  distance  between  the  open  rank?,  when  mounted,  is 
six  yards,  measured  from  the  croup  of  the  horses  of  the 
front  rank  to  the  head  of  the  horses  of  the  rear  rank ;  on 
foot,  this  distance  is  six  paces. 

When  the  ranks  are  closed,  the  distance,  if  mounted,  is 
two  feet,  measured  from  the  eroup  of  the  horses  of  the 
front  rank  to  the  head  of  those  of  the  rear  rank ;  on  foot, 
it  is  one  foot,  measured  from  the  breast  of  a  man  in  the 
rear  rank  to  the  back  of  his  file-leader. 

When  a  troop  is  formed  in  column  of  platoons,,  or  divi- 
sions, the  distances  prescribed  are  measured  from  the 
men  of  one  front  rank  to  those  of  another  front  rank;  on 
foot,  they  are  measured  from  the  elbows  of  the  men  of 
one  front  rank  to  the  elbows  of  the  men  of  another  front 
rank. 

Depth  is  the  space  included  between  the  head  and  the 
rear  of  a  column. 

The  depth  of  a  column  of  platoons  is  equal  to  the  front 
which  the  troop  occupied  in  line;  it  is  measured  from  the 
head  of  the  horse  of  the  officer  commanding  the  first  pla- 
toon, to  the  croup  of  the  horses  of  the  file  closers  of  the 
last  platoon. 

To  estimate  the  front  of  a  troop,  and  the  depth  of  a 
column,  it  is  necessary  to  know  that  a  horse,  when  -mount- 
ed, occupies  in  breadth  one  third  of  his  length ;  this 
bre^nUh  is  a  little  less  than  a  yard.  To  avoid  fractions, 
and  arrive  at  the  same  result  b}'  2  more  simple  calculation, 
having  regard  also  to  the  room  which  the  men  must  always 
preserve  in  the  ranks,  it  is  supposed  to  be  one  yard.     The 


DEFINITIONS    AND   GENERAL    PRINCIPLES.  7 

length  of  a  horse  being  three  yards,  the  two  ranks  occupy 
six  yards,  with  a  distance  of  two  feet  between  the  ranks ;  a 
space  which  is  necessary  to  prevent  them  from  interfering 
on  the  march. 

Taking  the  above  dimensions  for  a  base,  the  front  of  a 
squadron  will  consist  of  as  many  yards  as  there  are  files, 
plus  the  two  Sergeants  on  the  flanks.  There  will  be  a  dif- 
ference, however,  according  to  the  corps,  and  the  manner 
in  which  the  regiment  is  mounted ;  commandants  of  corps 
should  satisfy  themselves  of  it,  by  causing  the  front  of  their 
squadrons  to  be  measured. 

Alignment  is  the  placing  of  men,  or  troops,  on  the 
same  line.  There  are  two  kinds  :  individual  alignment  and 
alignment  hy  troop. 

Individual  alignment  is  when  men  are  placed  abreast 
of  each  other,  in  a  parallel  direction,  and  without  one  being 
in  front  or  in  rear  of  another. 

Alignment  by  troop  is  when  a  troop  places  itself  on 
the  prolongation  of  a  line  already  formed. 

Every  troop  which  is  to  form  and  align  itself  on  an- 
other, halts  on  a  line  with  the  file-closers,  parallel  to  the 
line  of  formation,  to  place  itself  afterwards  on  the  align- 
ment of  the  troop  which  is  already  formed. 

The  commandant  of  a  troop  places  himself,  to  align  it, 
on  the  side  indicated  by  the  command  ;  it  is  the  same  if 
the  troop  which  he  commands  serves  as  base  of  alignment 
to  another  troop.  But  the  commander  of  a  troop  which  alings 
itself   on  another,  moves  on  the    opposite  side   to  align  it. 

A  Platoon  is  composed  habitually  of  twelve  files;  it 
may  also  be  increased  to  sixteen ;  in  that  case,  it  is  divided 
into  two  sections. 

A  Division  is  composed  of  two  platoons. 

A  Squadron  is  composed  of  two  divisions,  or  four  pla- 
toons. 

A  Regiment  in  order  of  battle  (or  line)  is  com- 
posed of  its  squadrons  disposed  on  the  same  line  with  their 
intervals. 

It  is  in  natural  order  when  the  squadrons  are  placed 
in  the  order  of  their  numbers  from  right  tojeft 


8  DEJ/iiNlTJLUiN'S    AND    OLNLRAL    PRINCIPLED. 

It  is  in  inverse  order  when  the  first  squadrons  are 
on  the  left  of  the  line,  and  the  last  on  the  right,  or  when 
the  subdivisions  of  each  squadron  are  inverted.  This 
order  should  be  used. only  when  circumstances  require  it. 

A  Column  is  the  disposition  of  a  troop  which  has  bro- 
ken, and  of  which  the  fractions  are  placed  one  behind 
another. 

There  are  three  kinds  of  columns  j  column  in  route, 
cohr/Kii  with  distance  and  close  column. 

Column  in  route  is  formed  of  men  by  twos,  or  by 
fours.  '  • 

Column  with  distance  is  formed  of  platoons,  having 
between  them  the  distance  necessary  to  form  in  line  in 
every  way.  This  column  may  also  be  formed  of  divisions; 
but  the  proportion  of  a  platoon  front  is  the  most  advanta- 
geous for  all  movements. 

Close  column  is  formed  of  squadrons  with  a  distance 
of  twelve  yards  from  one  to  another;  the  object  of  this 
disposition  is  to  give  the  least  possible  depth  to  the  col- 
umn. 

The  column  has  the  right  in  front  when  its  fractions  are 
disposed  according  to  the  order  of  their  numbers,  from 
front  to  rear. 

The  column  has  the  left  in  front  when  the  last  fractions, 
in  the  order  of  their  numbers,  are  in  front. 

Fixed  points,  or  points  of  direction,  serve  to  point 
out  the  direction  in  which  a  troop  in  line,  or  in  column, 
is  to  march  ;  or  else  to  mark  the  right  and  left  of  a  line. 
remediate  points  are  those  taken  between  the 
fixed  points.  They  are  used  to  preserve  the  desired  direc- 
tion during  the  march,  or  to  insure  the  rectitude  of  the 
formation  of  the  lines. 

General  guides  are  the  two  Sergeants  who,  in  the 
formation  of  a  regiment,  mark  the  points  where  the  right 
and  the  left  are  to  rest. 

They  are  selected  in  the  first  and  last  squadrons,  and  are 
under  the  orders  of  the  Adjutant  and  Sergeant  Major,  for 
the  tracing  of  lines. 


DEFINITIONS  AND  GENERAL  PRINCIPLES.      9 

Principal  Guides  are  the  Sergeants  who  serve  to 
mark  the  intermediate  points  in  the  formation  in  line. 

The  Sergeants,  file  closers  of  the  1st  and  4th  platoons, 
are  the  principal  guides  of  their  respective  squadrons. 

Particular  Guides  are  the  Sergeants  who  place  them- 
selves on  the  line  of  formation,  to  mark  the  front  of  their 
squadrons  as  they  arrive. 

The  two   Sergeants  of  the   flanks,  who  are  not  co- 
in  the  rank,  are   the  particular  guides  of  their  respective 
squadrons. 

Guide  of  the  March  in  Line  is  the  Sergeant  file- 
closer  of  one  of  the  wings,  who,  in  the  march  in  line,  re- 
places the  particular  guide  in  the  front  rank,  when  the 
latter  places  himself  on  the  alignment,  to  insure  the  direc- 
tion of  the  march  by  serving  as  an  intermediate  point. 

Guide  of  the  column  is  the  man  on  one  of  the  0     1. 
of  the   front  rank  of  a  column;  he  is   charged  with   the 
direction  of  the  march. 

The  guide  is  always  left  when  the  right  is  in  front;  the 
exceptions  to  this  general  rule  arc  pointed  out  in  the  title 
of  the  evolutions. 

In  the  oblique  march  the  guide   is  on  the  side  tc 
which  the  inarch  is   made;  and  when  the  primitive  direc- 
tion is  resumed,  after  having  obliqued,  the  guide  is  where 
it  was  before  having  obliqued. 

In    a    column    composed    of  cavalry   and    infantry,    the 
guides   of  the  cavalry  cover  the  second  file  of  the 
visions  of  infantry  on  the  side  of  the  guides.     In  line,  the 
officers  who  are  in  front  of  the  squadrons,  align  then 
on  the  rear  rank  of  the  infantry. 

"Wheel  is  a  circular  movement  executed  by  a  ntan  or 
troop,  returning  to  the  point  of  cle  uirturc. 

When  a  troop  makes   a  wheel,  it  turns  upon  one  of  its 
flanks;  each   of  the  men  composing  it  describes  a  circle, 
larger  in  proportion  to   his  distance  from   the  central  -int. 
Lbout  face,  or  wheel,  is  the  half  of  a  wheel. 

PtiGHT  or  left  eace,  or  wh;  el,  is  the  fourth  of  a 
wheel. 


10        DEFINITIONS   AND    GENERAL   PRINCIPLES. 

Right  half,  or  left  half  face,  or  wheel,  is  the 
eighth  of  a  wheel. 

Right  quarter,  or  left  quarter  face,  or  wheel, 
is  the  sixteenth  of  a  wheel. 

Pivot  is  the  front  rank  man  of  the  flank  on  which  the 
wheel  is  made.  There  are  two  kinds  :  the  fixed  pivot  and 
the  moveable  pivot. 

The  pivot  is  fixed  whenever  he  turn3  upon  himself;  he 
is  moveable  when  he  describes  an  arc  of  a  circle. 

The  arc  of  a  circle  described  by  the  pivot  of  a  rank  of 
two,  of  four,  of  eight,  or  of  a  platoon,  making  the  fourth 
of  a  wheel,  is  five  yards  j  for  a  division  it  is  ten  yards ; 
and  for  a  squadron  it  is  twenty  yards. 

Ployment  is  the  movement  by  which  a  regiment  forms 
from  line  into  close  column. 

Deployment  is  the  movement  by  which  a  regiment 
forms  from  close  column  into  line. 

Formation  is  the  regular  placing  of  all  the  fractions  of 
a  troop  either  in  line  or  in  column. 

Paces.  There  are  three  kinds  :  the  walk,  the  trot,  and 
the  gallop. 

On  foot  there  are  two  kinds  of  step  :  the  common  step, 
and  the  quick  step. 

When  the  command  does  not  indicate  the  pace,  the 
movement  is  always  made  at  a  walk,  if  the  troop  is  halted  j 
if  it  is  marching  the  movement  is  made  at  the  pace  at 
which  it  was  already  marching. 

On  foot,  the  movements  are  executed  habitually  at  the 
quick  step,  without  the  command  being  given.  When  they 
are  to  be  executed  at  the  common  step  the  command  should 
signify  it. 

The  pace,  when  used  as  a  measure,  is  three  feet.  On 
foot  it  is  two  {'eat  four  inches. 

A  horse  passes  over  about  one  hundred  yards  per  minute 
at  a  walk,  two  hundred  and  forty  at  a  trot,  and  three  hun- 
dred at  a  gallop. 

On  foot  the  common  step  is  at  the  rate  of  ninety  per 
minute ;  the  quick  step  is  at  the  rate  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty  per  minute. 


DEFINITIONS   AND    GENERAL    PRINCIPLES.          11 

The  direct  march  is  that  which  is  executed  by  a 
troop  in  line  or  in  column,  to  move  off  perpendicularly  to 
its  alignment. 

The  march  by  a  flank  is  that  by  which  ground  is 
gained  to  the  right  or  left,  after  having  made  the  fourth  of 
a  wheel. 

The  diagonal  march  is  thus  called  in  relation  to  the 
front  from  which  it  commences  by  changing  direction  by 
the  eighth  of  a  wheel  to  the  right  or  left,  in  order  to  arrive 
at  a  given  point  on  the  right  or  left. 

The  oblique  march  is  that  by  which,  when  moving 
forward,  ground  is  gained  towards  one  of  the  flanks  with- 
out changing  the  front.  There  are  two  kinds;  the  indi- 
vidual oblique  march,  and  the  oblique  march  by  troop. 

The  individual  oblique  march  is  that  which  is  executed 
by  an  individual  movement  of  each  man. 

The  oblique  march  by  troop  is  that  which  is  executed  by 
the  movement,  at  the  same  time,  of  each  of  the  sub-divi- 
sions of  a  troop  in  line. 

The  circular  march  is  that  which  is  executed  by  de- 
scribing a  circle  or  portion  of  a  circle. 

Counter  march  is  a  movement  by  which  the  men  of 
each  rank,  after  having  made  successively  the  fourth  of  a 
wheel  to  the  right  or  left,  form  themselves  facing  the  rear, 
parallel  to  the  first  formation. 

The  charge  is  a  direct,  quick  and  impetuous  march, 
the  object  of  which  is  to  reach  the  enemy. 

Skirmishers  (or  Flankers)  are  men  dispersed  in 
front,  in  rear,  or  on  the  flanks  of  a  troop,  to  cover  its  move- 
ments or  its  position. 

Obstacle  is.  anything  in  the  nature  of  the  ground, 
which  obliges  a  troop  in  line  to  ploy  a  part  of  its  front. 

Defile  is  a  passage  which  compels  a  line  to  ploy  into 
column,  or  a  column  to  diminish  its  front. 

Evolutions  are  the  regular  movements  by  which  a  reg- 
iment passes  from  one  order  to  another. 

Evolutions  of  line  are  these  same  movements  execu- 
ted by  several  regiments,  en   one  or  several  lines.     Their 


12  DEFINITIONS    AND    GENERAL    PRINCIPLES. 

application  combined  with  the  position  or  movements  of 
the  enemy,  are  called  manoeuvres. 

Commands.     There  are  three  kinds: 

•  command  of  caution,  which  is  attention.     It  is  the 
signal  to  preserve  immobility,  and  to  give,  attention. 

The ' preparatory  command..  It  indicates  the  move- 
ment which  is  to  be  executed. 

It  is  at  this  command  that  the  horses  are  gathered. 

The  command  of  execution,  which  is  march  or  halt. 

The  tone  of  command  should  be  animated,  distinct,  and 
of  a  loudness  proportioned  to  the  troop  which  is  command- 
ed. 

The  command  attention,  is  pronounced  at  the  top  of 
the  voice,  dwelling  on  the  last  syllable. 

The  commands  of  execution  are  pronounced  in  a  firm- 
er tone  than  the  PREPxiRATORY  commands. 

The  commands  of  caution  and  the  preparatory  com- 
mands, are  distinguished  by  italics;  those  of  execution  by 

CAPITALS. 

Those  preparatory  commands  which,  from  their  length, 
are  difficult  to  be  pronounced  at  once,  must  be  divided  into 
two  or  three  parts,  with  an  ascending  progression  in  the 
tone  of  command,  but  always  in  such  a  manner  that  the 
one  of  execution  may  be  more  energetic  and  elevated  (the 
divisions  are  indicated  hi/  a  hyphen  -).  The  parts  of  com- 
mands which  are  placed  in  parenthesis  are  not  pronounced. 

Time,  in  the  detailed  instruction,  is  an  action  of  exercise 
which  is  executed  at  a  command  or  part  of  command,  and 
which  is  divided  into  motions,  to  demonstrate  the  mechanism 
and  facilitate  the  execution  of  it, 

Soundings  are  the  trumpet  signals,  which  make  known 
to  the  troop  the  movements  or  details  of  service  which  are 
to  be  executed. 


SABRE    EXERCISE. 


18 


ARTICLE  SECOND. 

School  of  the  Trooper  Dismounted. 

The  preliminary  instruction  to  be  given  to  recruits  for 
the  mounted  service,  is  the  same  as  that  given  to  the  foot 
soldier,  previous  to  his  instruction  in  the  manual  of  arms, 
embracing  the  position  of  the  soldier,  the  facings  and  march- 
ing. All  of  which  being  fully  described  in  the  first  part 
of  Instruction  in  Infantry  Tactics,  need  not  be  repeated 
here,  as  reference  may  be  made  to  that  book. 


ARTICLE   THIRD.  \ 

The   Sabre   Exercise. 

This  is  taught  to  a  squad  of  from  eight  to  ten  men, 
placed  in  one  rank,  nine  feet  from  each  other,  having  the 
sabre  hooked  up  with  the  hilt  to  the  rear. 

The  instructor  commands : 


Draw — Sabre. 

Two  times. 

1.  At  the  first  part  of  the  command,  which 
is  draw,  turn  the  head  slightly  to  the  left, 
without  deranging  the  position  of  the  body ; 
unhook  the  sabre  with  the  left  hand,  and 
bring  the  hilt  to  the  front;  run  the  right 
wrist  through  the  sword-knot;  seize  the 
gripe,  draw  the  blade  six  inches  out  of  the 
scabbard,  pressing  the  scabbard  against  the 
thigh  with  the  left  hand,  which  seizes  it  at 
the  upper  ring,  and  turn  the  head  to  the 
front.     Fig.  1. 

2.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which 


14 


SABRE    EXERCISE. 


Ok 


is  sabre,  draw  the  sabre  quickly,  raising  the 
arm  to  its  full  extent;  make  a  slight  pause, 
carry  the  blade  to  the  right  shoulder,  the 
back  of  it  against  the  hollow  of  the  shoul- 
der, the  wrist  resting  against  the  hip,  the 
little  finger  on  the  outside  of  the  gripe 
Fig.  2.  6   F 

This  position  is  the  same  when  mounted, 
except  that  the  wrist  then  naturally  falls 
upon  the  thigh. 

Present — Sabre. 

One  time. 

At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which 
is  sabre,  carry  the  sabre  to  the  front,  the 
arm  half  extended,  the  thumb  opposite  to, 
and  six  inches  from  the  neck,  the  blade 
perpendicular,  the  edge  to  the  left,  the 
thumb  extended  on  the  right  side  of  the 
gripe,  the  little  finger  by  the  side  of  the 
others.     Fig.  3. 

Carry — Sabre. 

One  time. 

At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which 
is  sabre,  carry  the  back  of  the  blade  against 
the  hollow  of  the  shoulder,  the  wrist  resting 
against  the  hip,  the  little  finger  on  the  out- 
side of  the  gripe.     Fig.  2. 

Return — Sabre. 

Two  times. 

1.  At  the  first  part  of  the  command,  which 
is  return,  execute  the  first  motion  of  pre- 
sent sabre,  Fig,  3. 


SABRE   EXERCISE.  15 

2.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  sabre, 
carry  the  wrist  opposite  to,  and  six  inches  from  the  left 
shoulder;  lower  the  blade  and  pass  it  across  and  along  the 
left  arm,  the  point  to  the  rear;  turn  the  head  slightly  to 
the  left,  fixing  the  eyes  on  the  opening  of  the  scabbard ; 
return  the  blade,  free  the  wrist  from  the  sword-knot,  turn 
the  head  to  the  front,  drop  the  right  hand  by  the  side,  and 
hook  up  the  sabre  with  the  hilt  to  the  rear. 

Inspection — (of)  Sabre. 
One  time  and  seven  ".notions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  sabre,  ex- 
ecute the  first  time  of  draw  sabre,  Fig.  1. 

2.  Execute  the  second  time  of  draw  sabre,  Fig.  2. 

3.  Present  the  sabre  as  it  is  prescribed,  Fig.  3. 

4.  Turn  the  wrist  inwards,  to  show  the  other  side  of  the 
blade. 

5.  Carry  the  sabre  to  the  shoulder.     Fig.  2. 

0.  Execute  the  1st  time  of  return  sabre.     Fig.  3. 

7.  Execute  the  2d  time  of  return  sabre. 

When  the  men  execute  the  inspection  of  arms  correctly, 
to  exercise  them  without  the  details,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

Inspection — (o/)  Arms. 

Each  man,  as  the  instructor  passes  before  him,  presents 
the  sabre,  and  turns  the  wrist  inwards  to  show  the  other 
side  of  the  blade,  od  and  4th  motions  of  inspection  of  sabre. 

As  soon  as  the  instructor  has  passed  by  two  files,  the  man 
who  has  been  inspected  carries  the  sabre  to  the  shoulder, 
returns  it,  5th,  6th,  and  7th  motions  of  inspection  of  sabre. 

The  troopers  being  at  attention  with  drawn  sabres  at  a 
carry,  the  instructor  commands  : 


16 


SABRE    EXERCISE. 


Guard. 

One  time. 

At  the  command  Guard,  carry  the 
right  foot  two  feet  from  the  left,  the 
heels  on  the  same  line;  place  the  left 
hand  closed,  six  inches  from  the  body, 
and  as  high  as  the  elbow,  the  fingers  to- 
wards the  body,  the  little  finger  nearer 
than  the  thumb  (position  of  the  bridle 
land');  at  the  same  time,  place  the 
right  hand  in  tierce  at  the  height  of; 
and  three  inches  from,  the  left  hand,  the 
thumb  extended  on  the  back  of  the 
gripe,  the  little  finger  by  the  side  of  the 
others,  the  point  of  the  sabre  inclined 
to  the  left,  and  two  feet  higher  than  the 
hand.     Fig.  4. 

Left MOULINET. 

One  time  and  two  mo- 
tions. 


U    i: 


1.  At  the  last  part  of 
the  command,  which  is 
moulinet,  extend  the 
right  arm  to  the  front 
to  its  full  length,  the 
hand  in  tierce  and  as 
high  as  the  eyes. 

2.  Lower  the  blade 
in  rear  of  the  left  el- 
bow; graze  the  horse's 
neck  quickly,  describing 
a  circle  from  rear  to 
front,  and  return  to  the 
position  of  guard.  Fig. 
5. 


•SABKE   EXEttOISE. 


17 


Bight — Moulin  et. 

One  time  and  tuo  mo- 
tions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of 
the  command,  which  is 
MOULINET,  extend  the 
right  arm  to  the  front 
to  its  full  length,  the 
hand  in  quarte,  and  as 
high 


as  the  eyes. 
2.  Lower  the  blade 
in  rear  of  the  right  el- 
bow: graze  the  horse's 
neck  quickly  describing 
a  circle  from  rear  to 
front,  and  return  to  the 
position  of  guard.  Fig. 
6. 

Fig.  6.  To  execute  the  mouli- 

net  without  stopping,  if  the  instructor  wishes  to  begin  by 
the  left,  he  commands: 


Left  and  Rigid — Moulin  et. 

One  time  and  two  motions. 

If  he  wishes  to  bagin  by  the  right,  he  commands: 

Right  and  Left — Moulinet. 

One  time  and  two  motions. 

At  either  of  these  commands,  the  troopers,  commencing 
from  the  position  of  guard,  execute  alternately  what  is 
laid  down  above,  without  stopping  at  any  motion. 


18 


SABRE    EXERCISE. 


Rear — MOULINET. 


One  time  and 


Fig.  7. 
execute  several  in  succession, 


two  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  ptfrt 
of  the  command, 
which  is  MOULINET, 
raise  the  arm  to  the 
right  and  rear  to  its 
full  extent,  the  point 
of  the  sabre  upwards, 
the  edge  to  the  right, 
the  thumb  extended 
on  the  back  of  the 
gripe,  the  body  slight- 
ly turned  to  the  right. 

2.  Describe  a  cir- 
cle in  rear  from  left 
to  right,  the  hand  as 
far  as  possible  from 
the  body,  and  return 
to  the  position  of 
guard.     Fig.  7. 

When  the  troopers 
execute    the     mouli- 
nets  well,  the  instruc- 
tor requires  them  to 
until  the  command  guard. 


In  tierce — Point. 
One  time  and  three  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  point, 
raise  the  hand  in  tierce  as  high  as  the  eyes,'throw  back  the 
right  shoulder,  carrying  the  elbow  to  the  rear,  the  point  of 
the  sabre  to  the  front,  the  edge  upwards.     Fig.  8. 

2.  Thrust  to  the  front;  extending  the  arm  to  its  full 
leDgth. 


SABRE   EXERCISE. 
3.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 


19 


Fig.  8. 


In  quarte — Point. 
One  time  and  three  motions. 


1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  point, 
lower  the  hand  in  quarte  near  the  right  hip,  the  thumb  ex- 
tended on  the  right  side  of  the  gripe,  the  point  a  little 
higher  than  the  wrist.     Fig.  9. 

2.  Thrust  to  the  front,  extending  the  arm  to  its  full 
length. 

3.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 

Left — Point. 
One  time  and  three  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  point, 
turn  the  head  to  the  left,  draw  back  the  hand  in  tierce  to- 
wards the  right,  at  the  height  of  the  neck,  the  edge  up* 
wards,  the  point  directed  to  the  left.     Fig.  10. 

2.  Thrust  to  the  left,  extending  the  arm  to  its  full  length, 

3.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 


20 


SABKB    SXERCjfek 


Fig.  10.  Fig.  11. 

Rig] it — Point. 
One  time  and  three  motions. 
1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  point, 
turn  the  head  to  the  right,  carry  the 
hand  in  quarte  near  the  left  breast, 
the  edge  upwards,  the  point  directed 
to  the  right.     Fig.  11. 

2.  Thrust  to  the  right,  extending 
the  arm  to  its  full  length. 

3.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 

Rear — Point. 

One  time  and  three  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  com- 
mand, which  is  point,  turn  the  head 
to  the  right  and  rear,  bring  the  hand 
in  quarte  opposite  to  the  rinht  shoul- 
der, the  arm  half  extended,  the  blade 
horizontal,  the  point  to  the  rear,  the  edge  upwards.  Fig.  12. 


SABRE    EXERCISE. 


21 


2.  Thrust  to  the  rear,  extending  the  arm  to  its  full  length. 

3.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 

Against  infantry  left — Point.     One  time  and  three  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part 
of  the  command, 
which  is  POINT,  turn 

"""N  the  head  to  the  left, 

raise  the  hand  in 
tierce  near  the  neck, 
the  point  of  the  sabre 
directed  at  the  height 
of  the  breast  of  a 
man  on  foot.  ]?ig. 
\         13. 

2.  Thrust  down  in 
tierce. 

3.  Return  to  the 
position  of  guard. 


Against  infantry  right — Point. 
One  time  and  three  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command, 
which  is  point,  turn  the  head  to  the  right, 
carry  the  hand  in  quarte  near  the  right  hip, 
the  point  of  the  sabre  directed  at  the  height 
of  the  breast  of  a  man  on  foot. 

2.  Thrust  in  quarte* 

3.  lleturn  to  the  position  of  guard. 


Fig.  14. 


] 


Front — Cut. 
One  time  and  three  motions. 
At    the    last    part    of    the    command, 


which  is  cut,  raise  the  sabre,  the  arm  half 
extended,  the  hand  a  little  above  the  head 


22 


SABRE   EXERCISE. 


the  edge  upward,  the  point  to  the  rear  and  higher  than  the 
hand.     Fig.  15. 

2.  Cut,  extending  the  arm  to  its  full  length. 

3.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 

Left— Cut. 
One  time  and  three  motions. 


Fig.  16. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  CUT,  turn 
the  head  to  the  left,  raise  the  sabre,  the  arm  extended  to 
the  right,  the  hand  in  quarte,  and  as  high  as  the  head,  the 
point  higher  than  the  hand.     Fig.  16. 

2.  Cut  diagonally  to  the  left. 

3.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 

Right — Cut. 
One  time  and  three  motions. 
1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  cut,  turn 


ftABRE    EXERCISE. 


the  head  to  the  right,  carry  the  hand  opposite  to  the  left 
shoulder,  the  point  of  the  sabre  upward,  the  edge  to  the 
left.     Fig.  17. 

2.  Extend  the  arm  quickly  to  its  full  length,  give  a  back- 
handed cut  horizontally. 

3.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 

These  cuts  are  also  used  against  infantry,  observing  to 
direct  them  vertically. 


Rear — Cut. 
One  time  and  three  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command, 
which  is  cut,  turn  the  head  to  the  right, 
throwing  back  the  right  shoulder;  carry  the 
hand  as  high  as,  and  opposite  to  the  left 
shoulder,  the  sabre  perpendicular,  the  edge 
to  the  left.     Fig.  18. 

2.  Extend  the  arm  quickly  to  its  full 
length,  and  give  a  back-handed  cut  horizon- 
tally, to  the  rear. 

3.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 

Right,  in  tierce  and  quarte — Cut. 
One  time  and  four  motions. 


Fig.  18. 


1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  cut,  exe- 
cute the  1st  motion  of  right  cut. 

2.  Execute  the  2d  motion  of  right  cut. 

3.  Turn  the  hand  in  quarte,  and  cut  horizontally, 

4.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 


SABRE    EXERCISE. 


Left,  in  quarte  and  tierce — Cut. 

One  time  and  four  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  cut,  exe- 
cute the  1st  motion  of  left  cut. 

2.  Execute  the  2d  motion  of  left  cut. 

3.  Turn  the  hand  in  tierce,  and  cut  horizontally. 

4.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 

Rear,  in  tierce  and  quarte — Cut. 

One  time  and  four  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  out,  exe- 
cute the  1st  motion  of  rear  cut. 

2.  Execute  the  2d  motion  of  rear  cut. 

3.  Turn  the  hand  in  quarte,  and  cut  horizontally. 

4.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 

In   tierce — PARRY. 


One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  com- 
mand, which  is  parry,  carry  the 
hand  quickly  a  little  to  the  front  and 
right,  the  nails  downward,  without 
moving  the  elbow;  the  point  inclined 
to  the  front,  as  high  as  the  eyes,  and 
in  the  direction  of  the  right  shoulder; 
the  thumb  extended  on  the  back  of 
the  gripe,  and  pressing  against  the 
guard.     Fig.  10. 

2.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 


SABRE    EXERCISE. 


25 


Fig.  20. 


In  quarte — Parry. 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command, 
which  is  parry,  turn  the  hand  and  car- 
ry it  quickly  to  the  front  and  left,  the 
nails  upward,  the  edge  to  the  left,  the 
point  inclined  to  the  front,  as  high  as 
the  eyes,  and  in  the  direction  of  the 
left  shoulder;  the  thumb  extended  on 
the  back  of  the  gripe,  and  resting 
against  the  guard.      (Fig-  20.) 

2.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 

For  the  head — Parry. 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command, 
which  is  parry,  raise  the  sabre  quick- 
ly above  the  head,  the  arm  nearly  ex- 
tended, the  edge  upward,  the  point  to 
the  left,  and  about  six  inches  higher 
than  the  hand.     Fig.  21. 

2.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 


Against  infantry  right — Parry. 

-.     One  time  and  three  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command, 
which  is  parry,  turn  the  head  to   the 
right,  throwing  back  the  right  shoul- 
der, raise  the  sabre,  the  arm  extended  to  the  right  and  rear, 
the  point  upward,  the  hand  in  tierce,  the  thumb  extended 
2 


26 


SABRE    EXERCISE. 


\ 


on   the  back  of 

the  gripe,  the 
edge  to  the  left. 
Fig.  22. 

2.  Describe  a 
circle  quickly  on 
the  right  from 
rear  to  front,  the 
arm  extended; 
tarn  aside  the 
b  -yoDet  with 
the  back  of  the 
blade,  bringing 
the  hand  as  high 
as  the  head,  the 
the  point  up- 
ward. 

3.  Return  to 
the  position  of 
guard. 


Fig.  23. 


Tig.  22. 


J  gainst  infantry  left— Parry. 
One  time  and  three  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  PARRY, 
turn  the  head  to  the  left,  raise  the  sabre,  the  arm  extended 
to  the  front  and  right,  the  point  upward,  the  hand  in  tierce, 
the  thumb  extended  on  the  back  of  the  gripe,  the  back  of 
the  blade  to  the  front.     Fig.  23. 

2.  Describe  a  circle  quickly  on  the  left,  from  front  to 
rear  along  the  horse's  neck,  the  arm  extended;  turn  aside 
the  bayonet  with  the  back  of  the  blade,  bringing  the  hand, 
still  in  tierce,  above  the  left  shoulder. 

3.  Return  to  the  position  of  guard. 


SABRE    EXERCISE.  27 

When  the  troopers  begin  to  execute  correctly  the  above 
cuts,  thrusts,  and  parries,  the  instructor  requires  them  to 
make  the  application  of  them  by  combined  motions;  as  fol- 
lows: 

In  tierce — Point  AND  FRONT  CUT. 

In  auarle — POINT  AND  FRONT  CUT. 

Left — Point  and  cut. 

Right — Point  and  cut. 

Rear — Point  and  cut. 

Against  infantry  right — Point  AND  CUT. 

Against  in/antry  left — POINT  AND  CUT. 

Carry — Sabre. 

As  it  is  prescribed,  and  carry  the  right  foot  by  the  side 
of  the  left. 

Remarks. 

The  instructor  explains  what  is  meant  by  right  and  left 
side  of  the  gripe ;   by  tierce  and  by  quarte. 

The  right  side  of  the  gripe  is  the  side  opposite  to  tho 
guard. 

The  left  side  of  the  gripe  is  the  side  next  to  the  guard. 

Tierce  is  tho  position  in  which  the  edge  of  the  blade  is 
turned  to  the  right,  the  nails  downward. 

Quarte  is  the  position  in  which  the  edge  of  the  blade  is 
turned  to  the  left,  the  nails  upward. 

The  object  of  the  moulinet  is  to  render  the  joints  of  the 
arm  and  wrist  supple,  and  as  it  adds  to  the  confidence  of 
the  men  when  isolated,  by  increasing  their  dexterity,  they 
should  first  be  exercised  at  it,  as  a  preparation  for  the  other 
motions. 

Each  lesson  is  therefore  commenced  and  ended  with 
moulinets,  executed  with  a  quickness  proportioned  to  the 
progress  of  the  troopers.  The  instructor  pays  particular 
attention  that  the  men  do  not  employ  a  degree  of  force  in 
the  sabre  exercise,  which  not  only  is  less  necessary  than 
skill  and  suppleness,  but  which   is  even  prejudicial.     lie 


28  SABRE   EXERCISE. 

observes,  also,  that  they  do  not  lean  to  one  side,  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  lose  the  seat,  when  mounted;  he  requires 
more  especially,  in  the  motions  of  the  sabre  to  the  rear, 
that  the  blade  shall  not  fall  too  near  the  body,  for  fear  of 
•wounding  the  horse.  In  describing  a  circle,  the  flat  of  the 
blade  should  be  to  the  side,  and  the  edge  to  the  front,  and 
it  should  be  so  directed  as  not  to  touch  either  the  horse's 
head,  or  his  haunches,  or  the  knees  of  the  rider. 

When  the  troopers  execute  all  the  motions  with  regulari- 
ty, the  instructor  requires  each  cut  to  be  given  without  de- 
composing it;  the  last  syllable  of  a  command  is  the  signal 
for  the  quick  execution  of  it.  All  the  cuts  are  then  termi- 
nated by  a  half-moulinet;  which  brings  back  to  the  position 

Of  GUARD. 

Thrusts  should  always  be  used  in  preference,  as  they  re- 
quire less  force,  and  their  result  is  more  prompt,  sure,  and 
decisive.  They  should  be  directed  quickly  home  to  the 
body  of  the  adversary,  the  sabre  being  held  with  the  full 
grasp,  the  thumb  pressing  against  the  guard  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  blade. 

The  instructor  allows  the  men  to  rest  frequently  during 
the  lesson,  in  which  case  he  causes  the  sabre  to  be  returned, 


SCHOOL    OF  THE   TROOPER. 


29 


t^a.:rt  second. 
INSTRUCTION  ON  HORSEBACK. 


ARTICLE  FIRST. 

To  Conduct  his  Horse  to  the  Ground. 

The  trooper  conducts  his  horse  to  the  ground,  the  reins 
passed  over  the  neck,  and  their  extremity  engaged  in  the 
left  cloak  strap.  He  holds  the  reins  with  the  right  hand  at 
six  inches  from  the  mouth  of  the  horse,  the  nails  under,  the 
hand  elevated  and  firm  to  prevent  the  horse  from  jumping. 

When  the  trooper  is  under  arms,  he  has  the  sabre  hooked 
up. 

Position  of  the  Trooper  before  Mounting. 

The  trooper  places  himself  on  the  left 
side  of  the  horse,  abreast  of  the  nether 
jaw:  he  holds  the  reins  with  the  right 
hand  at  six  inches  from  the  mouth  of 
the  horse,  the  nails  downward. 

The  trooper  has  his  heels  upon  the 
same  line  and  as  near  together  as  his 
conformation  will  permit,  the  feet  at  lit- 
tle less  than  a  right  angle,  and  equally 
turned  out;  the  knee  straight  without 
being  stiff,  the  body  perpendicular  upon 
the  haunches,  and  slightly  inclned  for- 
ward; the  left  hand  hanging  at  the 
side,  the  palm  a  little  turned  out,  the 
little  finger  along  the  seam  of  the  pan- 
taloons; the  head  erect  without  being 
constrained,  the  chin  drawn  into  th» 
Fig.  24.  neck  without  covering  it,  the  eyes  fixed 

to  the  front.     Fig.  24. 


SO  SCHOOL   OF   THE  TROOPER. 

When  the  trooper  is  tinder  arms,  he  has  the  left  hand 
over  the  sabre. 

To  Mount. 

The  instructor  commands : 

Prepare  to  mount. 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  At  the  command  Prepare  to  mount,  Nos.  1  and  3 
of  each  rank  move  six  paces  to  the  front,  stepping  off  with 
the  left  foot,  keeping  opposite  their  intervals,  and  regulating 
by  the  right. 

Place  the  right  foot  three  inches  in  rear  of  the  left;  make 
a  face  and  a  half  to  the  right  on  both  heels,  the  right  foot 
remaining  in  front;  let  go  the  right  rein;  slip  the  right 
hand  along  the  left  rein  ;  take  two  steps,  stepping  off  with 
the  right  foot,  and  face  to  the  left  upon  the  point  of  the 
left  foot,  the  right  side  toward  the  flank  of  the  horse;  car- 
ry back  the  right  heel  three  inches  in  rear  of  the  left;  the 
right  hand  seizing  the  end  of  the  reins  is  placed  upon  the 
cantle  of  the  saddle. 

2.  Place  a  third  of  the  left  foot  in  the  stirrup,  support- 
ing it  against  the  fore-arm  of  the  horse;  rest  upon  the 
point  of  the  right  foot,  and  seize  with  the  left  hand  over 
the  reins  a  lock  of  the  mane  as  far  forward  as  possible,  the 
extremity  of  the  lock  passing  out  of  the  hand  on  the  side 
of  the  little  finger. 

Mount. 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  At  the  command  Mount,  spring  from  the  right  foot, 
holding  firmly  to  the  mane,  at  the  same  time  pressing  the 
cantle  to  prevent  the  saddle  from  turning;  the  body  erect. 

2.  Pass  the  right  leg  stretched  over  the  croup  of  the 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   TROOPER.  31 

horse,  without  touching  him  ;  sit  lightly  in  the  saddle, 
placing  at  the  same  time  the  right  hand,  without  quitting 
the  reins,  upon  the  right  holster,  the  palm  of  the  hand  rest- 
ing upon  it,  the  fingers  on  the  outside  of  it,  and  take  one 
rein  of  the  snaffle  in  each  hand. 

(If  the  trooper  is  using  the  curb-bridle,  he  will  pass  the 
reins  of  it  in  the  left  hand  and  adjust  them.) 

Place  the  right  foot  in  the  stirrup. 

Form — Ranks. 

At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  Ranks,  Nbs- 

1  and  3  raise  the  wrists  (or  the  bridle  hand),  and  hold  the 
legs  close  to  the  body  of  the  horse  to  keep  him  quiet ;  Nos. 

2  and  4  enter  the  intervals  without  jostling  and  vnthout pre- 
cipitation. 

The  rear  rank  being  formed,  closes  to  the  distance  of  two 
feet  from  the  front. 

Remarks. 

Refore  the  causing  the  command  Mount  to  be  executed, 
the  instructor  explains  in  detail  the  two  times  of  it,  and  al- 
lows but  a  short  interval  between  the  first  and  second  part 
of  this  command,  because,  were  the  trooper  to  remain  a 
long  time  on  the  stirrup,  the  horses  would  become  restive 
and  move  out  of  their  proper  places. 

The  instructor  will  explain  to  the  troopers,  that  in  carry- 
ing the  right  hand  to  the  holster  before  placing  themselves 
in  the  saddle,  they  will  be  able  to  do  so  lightly,  and  will 
not  run  the  risk  of  injuring  themselves  in  bestriding  their 
horses. 

The  instructor  causes  the  stirrups  to  be  crossed  upon  the 
neck,  the  left  stirrup  over  the  right. 

Position  of  the  Trooper  Mounted. 

The  buttocks  bearing  equally  upon  the  saddle,  and  as  far 
forward  as  possible ; 

The  thighs  turned  upon  their  flat  side  without  effort, 


32  SCHOOL  OF  THE   TROOPER. 

embracing  equally  the  horse,  and  stretched  only  by  their 
own  weight  and  that  of  the  legs ; 

A  supple  bend  of  the  knees  J 

The  legs  free  and  falling  naturally ; 

The  point  of  the  feet  falling  in  like  manner; 

The  loins  supported  without  stiffness  ; 

The  upper  part  of  the  body  at  ease,  free  and  erect ; 

The  shoulders  equally  thrown  back  j  ' 


The  arms  free,  the  elbows  falling  naturally; 

The  head  erect,  at  ease,  and  not  drawn  in  between  the 
shoulders ; 

One  rein  of  the  snaffle  in  each  hand,  the  fingers  closed, 
the  thumb  along  each  rein,  the  wrists  as  high  as  the  elbow, 
at  six  inches  from  each  other,  the  fingers  turned  toward 
each  other,  the  upper  extremity  of  the  reins  leaving  the 
hand  on  the  side  of  the  thumb.     Fig.  25. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   TROOPER.  33 

To  Lengthen  the  Reins  of  the  Snaffle. 

The  instructor  commands  : 

Lengthen  left  (or  right) — Rein. 
One  time  and  two  n.otions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  Rein, 
bring  the  wrists  toward  each  other  without  turning  them 
in,  seize  the  left  rein  with  the  thumb  and  first  finger  of  the 
right  hand,  at  one  inch  from  the  left  thumb. 

2.  Half  open  the  left  hand,  and  allow  the  rein  to  slip 
until  the  thumbs  touch ;  reclose  the  left  hand,  and  replace 
the  wrists. 

To  Shorten  the  Reins  of  the  Snaffle. 
The  instructor  commands : 

Shorten  left  (or  right) — Rein. 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  Rein, 
bring  the  wrists  toward  each  other  without  turning  them 
in,  seize  the  left  rein  with  the  thumb  and  first  finger  of  the 
right  hand,  so  that  the  thumbs  touch. 

2.  Half  open  the  left  hand,  elevate  the  right  hand,  and 
suffer  the  rein  to  slip  until  the  thumbs  are  one  inch  apart; 
reclose  the  left  hand,  and  replace  the  wrists. 

The  right  rein  is  lengthened  and  shortened  on  the  same 
principles,  but  by  inverse  means. 

To  Cross  the  Reins  in  the  Left  Hand. 

The  instructor  commands : 

Cross  reins — In  left  iiand. 

One  time. 

At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  Left  hand, 
turn  in  the  left  wrist,  the  nails  downward,  at  the  sarao  time 


34  SCHOOL    OF   THE    TROOPER. 

bring  the  wrist  opposite  to  the  middle  of  the  body,  half 
open  the  left  hand,  place  in  it  the  part  of  the  rein  that  was 
in  the  right  j  reclose  the  left  hand  and  let  the  right  fall  to 
the  side. 

To  Take  the  Reins  in  Both  Hands. 

The  instructor  commands : 

Separate — Reins. 

One  time. 

At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  Reins,  half 
open  the  left  hand,  seize  with  the  right  hand,  the  nails 
downward,  the  part  of  the  right  rein  which  is  in  the  left 
hand,  and  replace  the  wrists  six  inches  apart. 

To  Cross  the  Reins  in  the  Right  Hand. 

The  instructor  commands : 

Cross  reins — In  right  hand. 
One  time. 

This  is  executed  in  the  same  manner  as  -cross  reins  in  left 
7iand,  but  by  inverse  means. 

The  Use  of  the  Reins. 

The  reins  serve  to  prepare  the  horse  for  the  movement 
he  is  required  to  execute,  to  direct  him  and  to  stop  him. 
Their  action  should  be  progressive,  and  in  accordance  with 
that  of  the  legs. 

When  the  trooper  makes  use  of  the  reins,  the  arms  should 
act  with  suppleness,  and  their  movements  ought  to  extend 
from  the  wrist  to  the  shoulder. 

The  Use  of  the  legs. 

The  legs  serve  to  urge  the  horse  forward,  to  support  him, 
and  to  aid  him   in   turning  to  the  right  and  to  the  left. 


[ 


SCHOOL    OF   THE   TROOPER.  35 

Whenever  the  trooper  wishes  his  horse  to  move  forward,  he 
should  close  the  legs  by  degrees  behind  the  girths,  causing 
their  effect  to  correspond  with  the  sensibility  of  the  horse, 
taking  care  neither  to  open  nor  elevate  the  knees,  of  which 
the  bend  should  be  always  pliant.  The  trooper  relaxes  the 
legs  by  degrees,  as  he  closed  them. 

The  Effect  of  the  Reins  and  Legs  Combined. 

In  elevating  a  little  the  wrists,  and  closing  the  legs,  the 
trooper  " gathers  his  horse;"  in  elevating  again  the  wrists, 
he  slackens  the  pace;  in  repeating  this  movement  of  the 
wrists  he  stops  the  horse,  or  "reins  back."  The  trooper 
ought  to  elevate  the  wrists  without  curving  them,  at  the 
same  time  drawing  them  slightly  towards  the  body. 

In  opening  the  right  rein  and  closing  the  right  leg,  the 
trooper  turns  his  horse  to  the  right.  To  open  the  right 
rein,  the  right  wrist  is  carried,  without  turning  it,  more  or 
less  to  the  right,  according  to  the  sensibility  of  the  horse. 

In  opening  the  left  rein,  and  closing  the  left  leg,  the 
trooper  turns  his  horse  to  the  left.  To  open  the  left  rein, 
the  left  wrist  is  carried,  without  turning  it,  more  or  less  to 
the  left,  according  to  the  sensibility  of  the  horse. 

By  lowering  slightly  the  wrists,  the  horse  is  at  liberty  to 
move  forward;  the  closing  the  legs  determines  the  move- 
ment. 

To  March. 

The  instructor  commands : 

1.   Squad  forward.     2.   MARCH. 

At  the  command  Squad  forward,  elevate  slightly  the 
wrists,  and  close  the  legs  in  order  to  "  gather  the  horse." 

At  the  command  March,  lower  slightly  the  wrists,  and 
close  the  legs  more  or  less,  according  to  the  sensibility  of 
the  horse.  The  horse  having  obeyed,  replace  the  wrists 
and  the  legs  by  degrees. 


36  SCHOOL    OF   THE   TROOPER. 

To  Halt. 

After  some  steps,  the  instructor  commands : 
1.  Squad.    2.  Halt. 

At  the  command  Squad,  the  trooper  gathers  his  horse, 
without  slackening  his  pace. 

At  the  command  Halt,  the  trooper  braces  himself  in  the 
saddle;  elevate  the  wrists  at  the  same  time  by  degrees,  and 
close  the  legs  in  order  to  prevent  the  horse  from  receding. 
The  horse  having  obeyed,  replace  the  wrists  and  the  legs 
by  degrees. 

When  the  horse  does  not  obey,  cause  him  to  feel  succes- 
sively the  effect  of  each  rein,  according  to  his  sensibility. 

To  Turn  to  the  Right,  and  to  the  left. 

The  instructor  commands  : 

1.  Squad  to  the  right  (or  to  the  left.}  2.  March.  8.  Halt. 

At  the  command  Squad  to  the  right,  gather  the  horse. 

At  the  command  March,  open  the  right  rein,  and  close 
progressively  the  right  leg.  In  order  not  to  turn  the  horse 
too  short,  perform  the  movement  upon  a  quarter  of  a  circle 
of  three  paces.  The  movement  being  almost  completed, 
diminish  the  effect  of  the  rein  and  the  right  leg,  support- 
ing the  horse  at  the  same  time  with  the  left  rein  and  leg  to 
terminate  the  movement. 

At  the  command  Halt,  elevate  slightly  the  wrists,  and 
hold  the  legs  near,  in  order  to  keep  the  horse  straight  in  the 
new  direction;  replace  the  wrists  and  the  legs  by  degrees. 

To  Turn-about  to  the  Eight,  and  to  the  Left. 
The  instructor  commands : 

1.  Squad  to  the  right-about  (or  to  the  le/t-about.)  2.  March. 
3.  Halt. 

This  movement  is  executed  on  the  principles  prescribed 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   TROOPER.  37 

for  the  turn  to  the  right  or  to  the  left,  with  this  difference, 
that  the  horse  should  pass  over  a  semicircle  of  six  paces, 
and  face  to  the  rear. 

To  Make  a  Quarter-turn  to  the  Right  and  to  the  Left. 
The  instructor  commands : 

1.   Squad  right  oblique  (or  left  oblique').     2.  March. 
3.  Halt. 

At  the  command  Squad  right  oblique,  gather  the  horse. 

At  the  command  March,  open  a  little  the  right  rein,  and 
close  slightly  the  right  leg,  in  order  to  make  the  horse  exe- 
cute a  quarter-turn  to  the  right ;  cause  the  horse  to  feel, 
almost  at  the  same  time,  the  effect  of  the  rein  and  the  left 
leg,  to  terminate  the  movement  without  increasing  the  de- 
gree of  obliquity. 

At  the  command  Halt,  elevate  slightly  the  wrists  and 
close  the  legs,  to  keep  the  direction  of  the  quarter-turn  to 
the  right;  replace  the  wrists  and  the  legs  by  degrees. 

To  Rein-back,  and  to  Cease  Reining-back. 

The  instructor  commands ; 

1.  Squad — Backwards.    2.  March.    3.  Squad.    4.  HALT. 

At  the  command  Squad  baclcicards,  gather  the  horse. 

At  the  command  March,  keep  a  firm  seat,  elevate  the 
wrists,  and  close  the  legs.  As  soon  as  the  horse  obeys, 
lower  and  elevate  successive^  the  wrists,  which  is  called 
yielding  and  checking.  If  the  horse  throws  the  haunches 
to  the  right,  close  the  right  leg ;  if  he  throws  them  to  the 
left,  close  the  left  leg.  If  these  means  are  not  sufficient  to 
replace  the  horse  in  his  proper  position,  open  the  rein  on 
the  side  towards  which  the  horse  throws  his  haunches, 
causing  him  to  feel,  at  the  same  time,  slightly,  the  effect  of 
the  opposite  rein. 

At  the  command  Squad,  the  trooper  prepares  to  stop. 

At  the  command  Halt,  lower  the  wrists  and  close  the 


38  SCHOOL    OF    THE    TROOPER. 

legs.     The  horse  having  obeyed,  replace  the  wrists  and  the 
legs  by  degrees. 

To  Dismount. 

The  instructor  causes  the  stirrups  to  be  let  down  and  the 
feet  put  in  them.     He  then  commands  : 

1.  Prepare   to   Dismount. 

One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  At  the  command  Prepare  TO  DISMOUNT,  Nbs.  1  and 
3  of  the  front  rank  move  forward  six  paces,  Nos.  2  and  4 
of  the  rear  ?-ank  rein-bach  four  paces,  and  keep  themselves 
opposite  their  intervals.  The  troopers  of  each  rank  dress  by 
the  right.  Pass  the  right  rein  of  the  snaffle  into  the  left 
hand,  the  extremity  of  the  reins  leaving  the  hand  on  the 
side  of  the  thumb. 

Dismount. 

One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  At  the  command  Dismount,  rise  upon  the  left  stirrup; 
pass  the  right  leg  extended  over  the  croup  of  the  horse, 
without  touching  him,  and  bring  the  right  thigh  near  to 
the  left,  the  body  being  well  sustained ;  place  at  the  same 
time  the  right  hand  upon  the  cantle  of  the  saddle,  slipping 
it  along  the  reins  without  letting  them  go;  descend  lightly 
to  the  ground,  the  body  erect,  the  heels  upon  the  same  line. 
Let  go  the  mane  with  the  left  hand ;  engage  the  extremity 
of  the  reins  in  the  left  cloak-strap  with  the  right  hand, 
which  then  seizes  the  left  rein. 

2.  Make  a  face  and  two  steps  to  the  left,  stepping  off  with 
the  left  foot;  slip  the  right  hand  along  the  left  rein,  seize 
with  the  same  hand  both  reins  at  six  inches  from  the  mouth 
of  the  horse,  the  nails  downward,  and  take  the  position  of 
the  trooper  be/ore  mounting. 

Form — Ranks. 

At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  is  Ranks,  Nbs. 


SCHOOL    OF    THE    TROOPER. 


89 


1  and  3  of  each  rank  elevate  slightly  the  right  hand  to  7ceep 
the  horse  quiet :  Nos.  2  and  4  return  to  their  intervals 
gently. 

Length  of  the  Stirrup. 

They  are  of  the  proper  length  if,  when  the  trooper  raises 
himself  on  the  stirrup,  there  is  a  space  of  six  inches  be- 
tween the  fork  and  the  saddle. 


Fig.  26. 

Position  of  the  Foot  in  the  Stirrup. 

The  stirrup  should  support  only  the  weight  of  the  leg 
the  foot  ought  to  be  inserted  one-third  of  its  length,  the 
heel  lower  than  the  toe.     Fig.  26. 

The  stirrup  should  support  only  the  weight  of  the  leg :  if 
the  trooper  bore  too  much  upon  the  stirrups,  his  seat  would 


40  SCHOOL   OF   THE  TROOPER. 

be  deranged  as  well  as  the  position  of  the  legs,  and  the 
justness  of  their  action  would  be  impaired. 

The  foot  ought  to  be  inserted  one-third  of  its  length :  if 
the  trooper  did  not  insert  the  foot  sufficiently  far  in  the  stir- 
rup, he  would  risk  losing  them,  particularly  during  the 
lively  gaits.  If  the  foot  were  inserted  too  far,  the  legs 
would  not  fall  naturally. 

The  heel  lower  than  the  toe :  that  the  foot  may  keep  the 
stirrup  without  effort  and  without  stiffness;  that  the  play  of 
the  joint  with  the  hg  may  remain  free,  and  that  the  spur 
being  further  removed  from  the  horse,  there  is  less  danger 
of  its  being  improperly  employed. 

Position  of  the  Bridie-Hand  with  Curb. 

The  reins  with  their  slide  in  the  left  hand,  the  little  fin- 
ger between  the  reins,  the  other  fingers  well  closed,  and  the 
thumb  upon  the  second  joint  of  the  first  finger;  the  elbow 
slightly  detached  from  the  body,  the  hand  four  inches 
above  the  pommel  of  the  saddle,  the  fingers  six  inches  from 
and  turned  toward  the  body;  the  little  finger  a  little  nearer 
the  body  than  the  upper  part  of  the  wrist,  the  right  hand 
at  the  side.     Fig.  26. 

The  Principal  Movements  of  the  Bridie-Hand, 

In  raising  slightly  the  hand  and  drawing  it  in  toward  the 
body,  the  trooper  gathers  his  horse  ;  in  raising  it  still  more, 
the  gait  is  made  slower.  By  increasing  the  effect  of  the 
hand,  the  horse  is  stopped ;  if  increased  still  more,  the 
horse  is  reined  back. 

In  lowering  slightly  the  hand,  the  horse  is  at  liberty  to 
move  forward. 

In  carrying  the  hand  forward  and  to  the  right,  the  horse 
is  turned  to  the  right. 

In  carrying  the  hand  forward  and  to  the  left,  the  horse 
is  turned  to  the  left. 

As  soon  as  the  horse  obeys,  the  bridle-hand  resumes  its 
original  position. 


SCHOOL  OP  THE  TROOPER.  41 

In  all  the  movements  of  the  hand,  the  arm  should  act 
freely,  without  communicating  constraint  to  the  shoulder  or 
body;  the  effect  of  the  curb  being  more  powerful  than  that 
of  the  snaffle,  it  should  be  used,  progressively. 

ARTICLE  SECOND. 

Manual  for  Colt's  Revolver. 

The  trooper  being  mounted,  holding  the  reins  as  pre- 
scribed, the  pistol  either  in  the  holster  or  pistol-case,  the 
instructor  will  command  : 

Draw — Pistol. 

Two  times. 

1.  At  the  first  command,  unbuckle  the  holster  or  pistol- 
case,  seize  the  pistol  by  the  hand  with  the  right  hand,  hold- 
ing it  between  the  palm  of  the  hand  and  the  three  last  fin- 
gers, the  fore-finger  resting  on  the  guard,  the  thumb  on  the 
handle; 

2.  At  the  second  command,  draw  out  the  pistol  and  ele- 
vate it,  the  guard  to  the  front,  the  wrist  at  the  height  of, 
and  six  inches  from  the  right  shoulder. 

Load  in  six  times. 

1.  Load. 

One  time  and  one  motion. 

Place  the  pistol  in  the  bridle-hand,  holding  it  by  the 
handle  in  front  of  the  body,  the  hammer  between  the 
thumb  and  fore-finger,  and  turned  to  the  left,  the  muzzle 
pointing  upward.  Carry  the  right  hand  to  the  cartridge- 
box  and  open  it. 

2.  Handle — Cartridge. 

One  time  and  one  motion. 

Seize  the  cartridge  with  the  thumb  and  the  first  two  fin- 
gers, and  carry  it  to  the  mouth. 


42  SCHOOL  OF  THE  TROOPER. 


3.  Tear — Cartridge. 

Bite  off  the  end  and  carry  the  cartridge  opposite  the 
chamber  nearest  the  lever. 

4.  Charge — Cartridge. 

One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  Empty  the  powder  into  the  chamber  and  insert  the 
ball,  pressing  it  down  as  far  as  possible  with  the  thumb  and 
forefinger. 

2.  Turn  the  pistol  with  the  left  hand,  bringing  the  ham- 
mer toward  the  body,  and  cock  it  with  the  thumb  of  the 
right  hand. 

5.  Ram — Cartridge. 

One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  Seize  the  lever  at  the  catch  with  the  thumb  and  fore- 
finger of  the  right  hand,  ram  down  the  ball  and  replace  the 
lever. 

2.  Let  down  the  hammer  with  the  right  hand,  and  carry 
the  hand  to  the  cartridge-box. 

Repeat  as  above  until  all  the  chambers  are  loaded. 

6.  Prime. 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  Lower  the  muzzle  toward  the  right  side  by  turning 
the  wrist  of  the  bridle-hand,  the  muzzle  pointing  down- 
ward, the  hammer  to  the  front,  the  left  wrist  resting  against 
the  stomach;  half-cock  the  pistol  with  the  left  thumb,  turn 
the  cylinder  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  right 
hand  until  it  clicks.  Take  a  cap  and  press  it  ou  the  ex- 
posed cone.  Turn  again  the  cylinder  until  it  clicks,  and  so 
on  until  all  the  cones  are  capped,  the  hammer  resting  on 
the  safety  notch. 

2.  Seize  the  pistol  at  the  handle  with  the  right  hand,  and 
bring  it  to  the  position  of  draw  pistol. 

The  instructor  wishing  to  fire,  will  command : 


SCHOOL   OP  THE   TROOPER.'  43 

Ready. 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

1.  Place  the  pistol  in  the  left  hand,  the  little  finger 
touching  the  key,  the  barrel  nearly  vertical,  the  muzzle  a 
little  inclined  to  the  left  and  front,  the  guard  to  the  front, 
the  thumb  on  the  head  of  the  hammer,  the  forefinger  along 
the  guard. 

2.  Cock  the  pistol,  and  bring  it  to  the  position  of  draw 
pistol. 

Aim. 

One  time. 

Lower  the  pistol,  the  arm  half  extended,  and  place  the 
forefinger  lightly  on  the  trigger,  the  muzzle  directed  to  the 
height  of  a  man's  waist. 

Fire. 

One  time. 

Press  the  forefinger  steadily  on  the  trigger,  fire,  and,  re- 
take the  position  of  draw  'pistol. 

The  men  being  at  a  ready,  and  the  instructor  wishing  to 
fire  all  the  barrels  in  quick  succession,  will  give  an  intima- 
tion to  that  effect,  and  then  command  : 

1.  Aim.     2.  Fire. 

The  men  will  aim  and  fire,  come  to  the  first  position  of 
ready,  cock,  aim,  and  fire  again,  and  so  continue  until  the 
pistol  is  discharged;  then  take  the  position  of  draw  pistol. 

The  instructor  wishing  to  reload,  will  command: 

Load  at  Will. 

Load. 

One  time. 

Load  the  six  chambers  as  heretofore  prescribed,  and  take 
the  position  of  draw  pistol. 


44  SCHOOL  OF  THE  TROOPER. 

Return  Pistol. 
One  time. 

Lower  the  muzzle  of  the  pistol,  and  return  it  to  the  hol- 
ster or  pistol-case. 

When  the  troopers  become  well  instructed  in  the  use  of 
the  pistol,  the  following  mode  of  coming  to  a  ready  will  be 
substituted  for  the  above  : 

Ready. 

Incline  the  muzzle  of  the  pistol  to  the  front,  the  wrist  re- 
maining six  inches  from  the  shoulder;  place  the  first  joint 
of  the  thumb  on  the  head  of  the  hammer,  and  cock  it  by 
an  extension  of  the  thumb,  and  resume  the  position  of 
draw  pistol. 


BASIS   OF   INSTRUCTION. 


45 


IPjP^TIT   third. 


BASIS  OF  INSTRUCTION. 


Explanation  of 

G 

; ,   C    Captain  Commanding 

S 

ft   C    Second  Captain. 
^  —  Lieutenant. 

L 

S 

|  L    Second  Lieutenant. 

s 

£  —  Sergeant. 

B 

fj  —  Bugler. 

C 

1  —  Corporal. 

—  Men  of  Front  Rank. 

—  Men  of  Rear  Rank. 

The  rank  of  the  several  sergeants  is  designated  by  figures 
placed  with  the  signs. 


46  BASIS    OF   INSTRUCTION. 

Posts  of  the  Officers  and  Non-  Commissioned  Officers  of  a 
Squadron-  in  line.     (Fig.  27.) 

The  Captain  commanding  is  posted  at  the  centre  of  the 
squadron,  the  croup  of  his  horse  one  pace  in  front  of  the 
heads  of  the  horses  of  the  front  rank. 

The  2d  Captain  three  paces  in  rear  of  the  centre  of  the 
squadron.  He  is  charged  with  the  alignment  of  the  rear 
rank  and  file  closers. 

The  senior  1st  Lieutenant  commands  the  first  platoon,  the 
other  1st  Lieutenant  commands  the  fourth  platoon. 

The  senior  2d  Lieutenant  commands  the  second  platoon, 
the  other  2d  Lieutenant  commands  the  third  platoon. 

Each  of  these  officers  is  posted  at  the  centre  of  his  pla- 
toon, with  the  croup  of  his  horse  one  pace  in  front  of  the 
heads  of  the  horses  of  the  front  rank. 

The  senior  Sergeant  is  posted  behind  the  third  file  from 
the  right  of  the  first  platoon ;  he  is  the  principle  guide 
when  the  column  of  squadrons  is  left  in  front. 

The  2d  Sergeant  behind  the  third  file  from  the  left  of  the 
fourth  platoon ;  he  is  principal  guide  when  the  column  of 
squadrons  is  right  in  front. 

The  3d  Serjeant  is  posted  on  the  right  of  the  front  rank 
of  the  squadron  ;  he  is  not  counted  in  the  rank. 

The  4th  Sergeant  on  the  left  of  the  front  rank ;  he  is  not 
counted  in  the  rank. 

The  5th  Sergeant  on  the  left  of  the  first  platoon 

The  6th  Sergeant  on  the  right  of  the  second  platoon. 

The  7th  Sergeant  on  the  right  of  the  third  platoon. 

The  8th  Sergeant  on  the  right  of  the  fourth  platoon. 

The  heads  of  the -horses  of  all  the  file  closers  are  at  one 
pace  from  the  croup  of  those  of  the  rear  rank. 

The  corporals  are  posted  in  the  front  rank  on  the  right 
apd  left  of  their  respective  platoons,  and  supply  the  places 
of  the  Sergeants  when  necessary. 

When  guidons  are  used,  they  are  carried  by  the  non-com- 
missioned officers  on  the  left  of  the  first  and  third  platoons. 


BASIS   OF   INSTRUCTION.  47 


Posts  of  the  Officers  of  a  Squadron  in  Order  of  Column. 
In  column  of  fours  and  twos.     (Fig.  28.) 

.'  The  Captain  commanding  marches  on 

£?{]§$£  the  side  of  the  guides,  and  four  paces 

r- p,  from  the  flank,  and  abreast  of  the  centre 

pSL  of  their  squadrons. 

pyj  The  second  Captain  marches  on  the 

jSSiW        S^e  opposite  to  the  guides,  four  paces 
£p|  from  the  flank,  and  abreast  of  the  cen- 

(S  tre  of  their  squadrons. 

G-J  The    Senior    1st   Lieutenant   of    the 

sfizED  squadron  marches  at  the  head  of  the  1st 

platoon,  one  pace  in  advance  of  the  first 
files,  having  the  particular  guide  of  the 
right  on  his  right. 

The  chiefs  of  the  other  platoons  march 

Zi^9>  on  the  side  of  the  guides,  one  pace  from 

cf\^fed     W     the  flank  of  the  column,  and  abreast  of 

5M5  their  first  files;  the  file-closers  march  on 

CJj  the  side  opposite  to  the  guides,  one  pace 

till  from  the  flank,  and  on   a  line  with  the 

l<1  centre  of  their  platoons. 

gj]  They  all  march  in  a  similar  manner  on 

|p]  the  flanks  of  the  column  when  the  left 

_A  (0Pi  is  in  front;  and,  in   this  case,  it  is  the 

pcoft  junior  1st  Lieutenant  who  marches  in 

p^i  .  the  column  at  the  head  of  the  4th  pla- 

m^Viz         toon  of  the  squadron. 

£75?  The  particular  guide,  who  in   line  is 

g3  posted    on    the    left   of    the    squadron, 

L2  marches   behind    the    last   files   of   the 

sfpU  squadron  j  when  the  column  is  left  in 

front,  he  takes  post  on  the  left  of  the  oflfi- 

Fig.  i>8.  cer  commanding  the  fourth  platoon,  one 

pace  in  front  of  the  left  file. 

"When  the  nature  of  the  ground  obliges  the  officers  and 


48 


BASIS   OF   INSTRUCTION. 


Mfr» 


file-closers  to  enter  the  column,  the  movement  is  made  suc- 
cessively; the  Captain  commanding,  and  the  chiefs  of  pla- 
toons, place  themselves  at  the  head ;  the  second  Captain 
and  the  file-closers,  in  rear  of  their  respective  troops. 

The  primitive  order  is  resumed  as  soon  as  the  nature  of 
the  ground  will  permit. 

>    In  column  of  Platoons.     (Fig.  29.) 

In  this  order,  the  distance  from 
one  platoon  to  another,  measured 
from  the  men  of  one  front  rank  to 
those  of  another  front  rank,  is 
equal  to  the  front  of  a  platoon  ; 
that  is  to  say,  it  is  twelve  paces  if 
the  platoons  are  of  twelve  files. 
Subtracting  the  depth  of  two 
ranks,  which  is  six  paces,  there  re- 
mains six  paces  from  the  croup  of 
the  horses  of  the  rear  rank  of  one 
platoon,  to  the  heads  of  the  horses 
of  the  front  rank  of  the  next  pla- 
toon, a  distance  which  is  equal  to 
half  of  the  front  of  a  platoon. 

The  Captain  commanding 

marches  on  the  side  of  the  guides, 

four  paces  from  the  flank  of  the 

column,  and  habitually  abreast  of 

Fig.  29.  the  centre  of  the  squadron. 

The  second  Captain  marches  on  the  side  opposite  to  the 

guides,  four  paces  from  the  flank  of  the  column,  and  abreast 

of  the  centre  of  the  squadron. 

The  1st  and  2d  Lieutenants  march  at  the  centre  of  their 
platoons,  one  pace  from  the  front  rank  y  when  forming  part 
of  a  regiment,  those  who  command  the  platoons  at  the  head 
of  squadrons,  preserve,  besides  their  distance,  the  ground 
necessary  to  enable  each  squadron,  in  wheeling  into  line,  to 
maintain  its  interval. 


BASIS   OF   INSTRUCTION. 


49 


The  Sergeants,  who  arc  file-closers,  march  on  the  side 
opposite  to  the  guides,  behind  the  third  file  of  their  pla- 
toons. 


"/W/wv^     a   * 

-_ 


*1 


Fig.  30. 
is  in  front. 


When  the  column  marches  right  in 
front,  the  particular  guide  of  tie  right 
of  the  squadron  marches  on  the  right 
of  the  first  platoon  j  and  the  particu- 
lar guide  of  the  left  places  himself 
as  file-closer  behind  the  second  file 
from  the  left  of  the  fourth  platoon. 

The  posts  of  these  Sergeants  is  the 
reverse  when  the  left  is  in  front. 

In  column  of  /Sections.     (Fig.  30.) 

The  squadron  being  composed  of 
sixty-four  files,  when  it  is  broken  into 
sections,  the  1st  Lieutenant  of  the 
squadron  marches  at  the  head  of  the 
first  section  of  the  first  platoon )  the 
chiefs  of  the  other  platoons  remain 
on  the  side  of  the  guides,  one  pace 
from  and  on  a  line  with  the  front 
rank  of  their  first  section. 

The  file-closers  who  command  the 
second  sections,  march  on  the  side 
opposite  to  the  guides,  one  pace  from 
and  on  a  line  with  the  front  rank. 

The  posts  of  the  commandants  of 
sections  is  the  reverse  when  the  left 


50  BASIS   OF  INSTRUCTION. 


In  column  of  Divisions.     (Fig.  31.) 

The    Captain    com- 
manding, and  the  second 
Captain,  are  posted  as 
in  column  of  platoons. 
The  senior  1st  Lieu- 
cjftt    ;  a    tenant  commands    the 

$  $m  1st   division,  the   other 

1st  Lieutenant  the  2d  ; 
they  remain,  however, 
at  the  centre  of  their 
platoons. 

All  the  other  officers 

and  Sergeants  of  each 

division   are   posted   as 

Fjs-  31-  prescribed  in  the  order 

in  column  of  platoons,  the  file-closers  remaining  in  their 

places,  on  whatsoever  side  the  guide  may  be. 

Posts  of  Officers  and  Non-  Commissioned  Officers  of  a 
Company  acting  singly. 

The  Captain  in  front  of  the  centre,  one  pace  distant  from 
the  front  rank. 

The  1st  Lieutenant  in  rear  of  the  centre,  in  the  rank  of 
file-closers. 

The  2d  Lieutenant  commands  the  1st  platoon ;  in  the  ab- 
sence of  a  3d  Lieutenant,  the  2d  platoon  is  commanded  by 
the  senior  Sergeant.  The  chiefs  of  platoons  are  posted  one 
pace  in  front  of  the  centre  of  their  respective  platoons. 

The  first  Sergeant  in  rear  of  the  right,  in  the  rank  of 
file-closers. 

The  2d  and  3d  Sergeants  on  the  right  and  left  of  the 
troop,  not  told  off. 

A  non-commissioned  officer  is  posted  on  the  left  of  the 
1st  platoon,  and  on  the  right  of  the  2d. 


BASIS   OP   INSTRUCTION.  51 

Corporals,  next  to  the  Sergeants  who  are  on  the  flanks 
of  platoons. 

The  Saddler  and  Farrier  in  rear  of  the  left  of  the  troop 
eight  paces  retired  from  the  line  of  file-closers;  and  the 
Buglers  twenty  paces  in  rear  of  the  centre. 


52  SCHOOL    OP   THE    PLATOON, 


IPJ^TIT    FOURTH. 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  PLATOON 


Preluninai-y  remarJcs. 

The  troopers  being  sufficiently  instructed  to  manage  their 
horses  and  use  their  arms,  are  passed  to  the  school  of  the 
platoon,  the  object  of  which  is  to  teach  them  to  exercise 
properly  together,  and  execute  all  the  movements  of  the 
platoon  in  the  squadron,  whether  in  column  or  in  line. 

Each  movement,  after  having  been  correctly  executed  by 
the  right,  is  repeated  by  the  left,  following  the  same  prin- 
ciples, but  by  inverse  means;  the  commands  being  the  same, 
except  the  substitution  of  Left  for  Right,  and  the  reverse. 

When  the  movements  are  all  executed  at  the  walk,  the 
instructor  causes  them  to  be  repeated  at  the  trot,  requiring 
always  the  same  simultaneous  action  and  the  same  precision. 
This  gradation  is  also  followed  for  the  exercise  at  the  gal- 
lop ;  but  the  horses  are  not  kept  a  long  time  at  this  gait. 

The  platoon  is  composed  of  twenty-four  or  thirty-two  men 
{twelve  or  sixteen  files),  including  the  Corporals,  placed  io 
the  squadron  in  line;  a  non-commissioned  officer  is  placed 
as  file-closer;  another  non-commissioned  officer  is  charged 
with  aiding  the  instructor;  he  is  termed  assistant  instruc- 
tor. 

When  the  platoon  is  broken  in  order  to  march  in  column, 
the  assistant  instructor,  at  the  preparatory  command,  places 
himself  at  one  pace  in  front  of  the  first  files.  In  all  the 
formations  and  marches  in  line,  he  places  himself  at  cms 


SCHOOL   OF  THE   PLATOON.  53 

pace  in  front  of  the  centre  of  the  platoon,  the  post  of  the 
chief  of  the  platoon  j  the  instructor  moves  wherever  his 
presence  is  most  required. 

The  platoon  is  formed  in  two  ranks,  at  open  order,  the 
troopers  and  file-closers  at  the  head  of  their  horses,  the 
assistant  instructor  mounted,  facing  the  platoon,  at  ten  paces 
from,  and  opposite  the  centre;  the  instructor  commands: 

1.  Attention.     2.  Right— 'Db.y&s.     3.  Front. 
He  then  commands : 

In  each  rank — Count  (by)  fours. 

Which  is  executed,  commencing  by  the  right. 

The  troopers  then  mount  by  the  times,  and  without  ex- 
planation. 

At  the  command  Form — Ranks,  the  assistant  instructor 
moves  forward,  turns  to  the  right-about,  and  places  himself 
at  the  centre  of  the  platoon,  the  croup  of  his  horse  one  pace 
from  the  head  of  the  horses  of  the  front  rank.  The  file- 
closer  follows  the  rear  rank. 

General  Principles  of  Alignment. 

The  troopers,  to  align  themselves,  should  regulate  their 
shoulders  upon  those  of  the  men  on  the  side  of  the  align- 
ment, and  fix  the  eyes  upon  the  line  of  the  eyes,  so  as  to 
perceive  the  breast  of  the  second  trooper  of  their  rank  on 
the  side  of  the  alignment;  for  this  purpose,  they  should 
turn  the  head,  remaining  square  upon  their  horses,  feel 
lightly  the  boot  of  the  man  on  the  side  of  the  alignment, 
and  keep  the  horses  straight  in  the  ranks,  that  all  may  have 
a  parallel  direction. 

The  troopers  of  the  rear  rank,  independently  of  the 
alignment,  should  be  exactly  behind  their  file-leaders,  and 
in  the  same  direction,  taking  care  to  preserve  the  distance 
of  two  feet  from  head  to  croup. 


54  SCHOOL   OF  THE   PLATOON. 


Successive  Alignment  of  Files  in  the  Platoon. 

rj  The  two  files  of  the  right  or  of  the 

V  left  are   moved  forward   ten  paces,  and 

aligned   parallel  to  the  platoon   by  the 

r la  J^  commands:   1.  Two  files  from  right  (or 

J0\           ffi  ^  left)  forward ;    2,  March;    3.  Halt  ; 

002  4.  Right  (or  left)— Dress  ;    5.  Front. 

Jwv.^  a      i  ^ne  instructor  then  commands  : 

™ffiW  !  -!    D     „     .  i  ■  ,     -j  "v    -p, 

mmM  .x  2.  Front. 

Fig.  32.  Figure  32.     At  the  last  part  of  the 

first  command,  which  is  Dress,  each  file  moves  forward  suc- 
cessively and  steadily,  the  troopers  turning  the  head  to  the 
right  and  taking  the  last  steps  slowly,  in  order  to  arrive 
abreast  of  the  files  already  formed  without  passing  beyond 
the  alignment,  observing  then  to  halt,  give  the  hand,  relax 
the  legs,  and  keep  the  head  to  the  right  until  the  command 
Front. 

•  Each  file  executes  the  same  movement  when  the  preced- 
ing one  has  arrived  on  the  base  of  alignment,  so  that  only 
one  file  may  align  itself  at  the  same  time. 

At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head  to  the  front. 
The  instructor  gives  the  command  Front  when  the  last 
file  is  aligned. 

Figure  33.     When  the  troopers  exe- 

^   cute  correctly  these  alignments,  this  in- 

g,  -\  struction  is  repeated  in  giving  the  two 

7  /■'       \  files  of  the  right  an  oblique  direction. 

^         For  this  purpose,  the  two  files  having 

t  W^     marched  forward  four  paces,  as  has  been 

^         prescribed,  execute  a  half -turn  to  the 

right,  or  to  the  left,  and  march  six  paces 

in  this  new  direction. 

The  platoon  being  unmasked,  the  re- 
Fig.  33.  mainder  of  the  movement  is  executed 


jwffinift- 


SCHOOL   OF  THE   PLATOON.  55 

by  the  commands  and  following  the  principles  prescribed 
above ;  each  file  as  it  arrives  nearly  opposite  the  place  it  is 
to  occupy,  executes  a  half-turn  to  the  right,  or  to  the  left,  so 
that  having  left  the  platoon  by  one  straight  line,  it  arrives 
upon  the  new  alignment  by  another. 

The  two  files  of  the  right  or  of  the  left,  are  made  tP  rein 
back  four  paces,  and  align  themselves  parallel  to  the  pla- 
toon and  opposite  the  place  they  occupied  in  it,  by  the  com- 
mands :  1.  Tie o  files  from  the  right  (or  left)  backwards  ; 
2.  March;  3.  Halt;  4.  Eight  (or  left) — Dress;  5. 
Front.     The  instructor  then  commands  : 

1.  By  file — right  (or  left)  backwards — Dress.     2.  Front- 

Figure  34.     At  the  last  part  of  the  first  command,  which 
is  Dress,  each  file  reins  back  successive- 
U  ly,  keeping  perfectly  straight,  the  troop- 

™  ers  turning  the  head  to  the  right,  and 

passing  a  little  to  the  rear  of  the  files  al- 
filiffffilttiiD'":  ft        ready  formed,  in  order  to  come  up  abreast 
i^    of   them    by  a   movement   to   the   front 
^y    which  renders  the  alignment  more  easy. 
tig|  The   troopers  of   the  front  rank  rein 

back  slowly,  those  of  the  rear  rank  regu- 
Fig.  34.  late  themselves  upon   their  file  leaders, 

preserving  always  their  proper  distance. 
•    At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head  to  the  front. 

The  alignment  is  then  executed  by  twos  (or  by  fours.) 
For  this  purpose  the  two  or  four  files  of  the  right  move 
forward  as  has  been  prescribed,  and  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

i.  By  ticos  (or  by  fours) — right  (or  left) — Dress. 
2.  Front. 

At  the  last  part  of  the  first  command,  which  is  Dress, 
the  files  align  themselves  successively  by  twos  (or  by  fours), 
following  the  principles  prescribed  for  the  alignment  by 


56  school  of  the  platoon. 

file,  being  particular  to  set  out  and  arrive  upon  the  align- 
ment together. 

At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head  to  the  front. 

Alignment  of  the  Platoon. 

The  platoon  being  in  line,  the  instructor  places  the  Cor- 
poral of  the  flank  on  which  he  wishes  to  align  it  in  such  a 
position  that  no  trooper  will  be  forced  to  reign  back,  and 
commands :  m 

1.  Right  (or  left) — Dress.     2.  Front. 

At  the  last  part  of  the  first  command,  which  is  Dress, 
all  the  troopers  align  themselves  promptly,  but  with  steadi- 
ness. 

At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head  to  the  front. 

In  all  the  alignments,  the  Corporal  of  the  opposite  flank 
aligns  himself  promptly  on  the  one  toward  the  side  of  the 
alignment,  without  respect  to  the  individual  alignment  of 
the  troopers. 

To  Open  and  Close  the  Banks. 

To  open  the  ranks  the  instructor  commands : 

1.  Rear  rank  open  order.     2.  March.     3.  Right — Dress. 
4.  Front. 

Figure   35.      At   the    command 

March,  the  front  rank  remains  inf* 

j*  moveable,  the  rear  rank  reins  back 

y  six  paces,  each    trooper   preserving 

the  direction  of  his  file-leader.    The 

,^a^  file-closer  reins  back  until  he  is  six 

[UllIIllllMl  paces  from  the  rear  rank.     The  as- 

gg^^g^j  sistant  instructor  moves  forward  six 

~  ...y,/yw.x*'    <e   Paces?  an(i  faces  the  platoon  by  a 

IjifMlWwm    '       turn-about  to  the  left. 

Pig.  35.  At  the  command  Right — Dress, 

the  rear  rank  dresses  to  the  right. 

At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head  to  the  front. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON.  57 

To  close  the  rank  the  instructor  commands : 

1.  Rear  rank  close  order.     2.  March.     3.  Right — Dress. 
4.  Front. 

Figure  36.     At  the   command   March,  the  rear  rank 

closes  upon   the  front  a* 

^/V  to  the  distance  of  two  .  8 

,  it  ]  feet,  each  trooper  tak-  II 

ing   care    to    preserve  $| 

•.  "~~V    ^~  tne    direction    of    his  r| 

file-leader.     The  assis-  a 

tant  instructor  resumes  S 

Fig.  30.  his  place  at  the  centre  J 

of    the  platoon,  by  a  turn-about  to  the  0 

right,  and  the  file-closer  takes  his  proper  fi 

distance  from  the  rear  rank.  ft 

At  the  command   Right — Dress,  the  (| 

platoon  is  aligned  to  the  right.  ft 

To  Rein  Back  the  Platoon.  x       i.g 

The  platoon  being  halted,  the  instruc-  B        ^0 

tor  commands  : 

1.  Platoon  backwards.     2.    Guide  right 
(or  left.)     3.  March. 

At    the    command    March,    all   the 
troopers  rein  back  at  once,  regulating  //  u/\ 

their  movements  by  those  of  the  guide. 

When   the   platoon   has   reined    back 
Borne  steps,  the  instructor  commands : 

1.  Platoon.      2.  Halt.      3.  Right  (or 

left) — Dress.   4.  Front.  /J'''^'1- 

To  Sreak  the  Platoon  by  File.        9     ^    ,. 
The  platoon  being  in  line  the  instruc-  OMlllltllfflM 
tor  commands:  "M/i/i/l/l/]/l/(7| 

1.  Byfde.    2.  March.  ^ 

Fie.  37. 


a 


m  \ 


. 


58  SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON. 

Figure  37.  At  the  command  by  file,  the  troopers  of  the 
first  file  gather  their  horses,  and  the  others  successively,  as 
soon  as  the  file  on  the  right  is  in  motion. 

At  the  command  March,  the  first  file  of  the  right  moves 
straight  to  the  front ;  it  is  followed  by  the  other  file ;  each 
file  moves  off  when  the  haunches  of  the  rear  rank  horse  of 
the  file  which  has  broken,  arrives  at  the  head  of  the  horses 
of  the  front  rank ;  each  file  marches  six  paces  straight  to 
the  front,  makes  a  quarter-turn  to  the  right,  and  marches  in 
the  new  direction  until  it  reaches  its  place  in  the  column, 
when  it  makes  a  quarter-turn  to  the  left. 

Direct  March  in  Column  by  File. 

The  troopers  should  keep  their  horses  straight,  and  march 
at  a  free  and  equal  gait;  they  should  keep  their  eyes  to  the 
front  and  continue  in  the  direction  of  the  column,  so  as  to 
perceive  only  the  trooper  who  marches  before  them,  to 
march  at  the  same  gait  with  him,  preserving  always  the 
distance  of  two  feet  from  head  to  croup,  that  his  own  horse 
may  not  tread  upon  the  heels  of  the  horse  in  front.  This 
distance  should  be  recovered  gradually  when  lost. 

To  Halt,  and  to  Commence  the  March  in  Column. 

The  column  marching,  to  halt  it  the  instructor  commands : 
1.  Column.     2.  Halt. 

At  the  command  Halt,  the  troopers  stop  together  in  the 
direction  of  their  file-leaders  and  at  their  distances,  taking 
care  to  prevent  their  horses  from  stepping  back. 

To  move  off,  the  instructor  commands  : 

1.  Column  forward.     2.  MARCH. 

At  the  command  March,  the  troopers  move  off  steadily 
together. 

The  column  being  at  a  halt,  if  the  instructor  wishes  it  to 
commence  the  move  at  a  trot,  he  will  command  : 


SCHOOL   OF  THE   PLATOON.  59 

1.  Column  forward — trot.     2.  MARCH. 

In  this  case  the  assistant  instructor  moves  off  promptly 
at  a  trot,  that  the  troopers  in  his  rear  may  take  this  gait  at 
once,  without  marching  first  at  a  walk. 

To  halt  the  column  marching  at  the  trot,  the  instructor 
commands  : 

1.  Column.     2.  Halt. 

Individual  Oblique  March. 

The  column  marching  by  file,  the  instructor  commands  : 
1.  Left  (or  right)  oblique.     2.  MARCH. 

At  the  command  March,  each  trooper  executes  a  quar- 
ter-turn to  the  left,  and  moves  forward  in  his  new  direction, 
all  following  parallel  lines,  and  regulating  themselves  to- 
ward the  right,  in  order  to  keep  on  the  same  line,  and  to 
preserve  their  distances  on  that  side. 

To  return  to  the  primitive  direction,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

Forward. 

At  this  command  the  troopers  return  to  the  original  di- 
rection, by  a  quarter-turn  to  the  right,  in  advancing,  to  move 
forward  in  the  direction  of  their  file-leaders. 

The  Platoon  Marching  in  Column  by  "File,  to  Form  it  to 
the  Front,  to  the  Left,  or  on  Right,  into  Line. 

To  Form  Front  into  Line. 
■•- 
The  column  marching  right  in  front,  to  form  it  to  the 
front  into  line,  the  instructor  commands : 

1.  Front  into  line.     2.  March.     3.  Halt.     4.  Right — 
Dress.     5.  Front.        , 

Figure  38.  At  the  command  March,  the  first  file  con- 
tinues to  march  straight  forward.  The  others  oblique  im- 
mediately to  the  left,  march  in  this  new  direction,  and  each 


60 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON. 


/s 


file  makes  a  quarter-turn  to  the  right 
on  coming  opposite  the  place  he  is  to 
occupy  in  the  platoon. 

When  the  first  file  has  marched 
twenty  paces,  the  instructor  commands 
Halt.  At  this  command,  it  halts 
square  to  the  front ;  the  other  files 
come  up  and  form  successively  on  the 
left  of  the  first,  and  dress  to  the  right. 

At  the  command  Front,  turn  the 
head  to  the  front. 

The  instructor  gives  the  command 
Right — D  ress  immediately  after 
Halt,  and  commands  Front  when 
the  last  file  is  aligned. 

To  form  to  the  Left  into  Line. 


The    column    m archil 


right 


\\V\\ 


i.vtv 


front,  to  form  it  into  line  upon  its 
left  flank,  the  instructor  commands  : 

1.  Left   into   line.      2.  March.     3. 
Halt.  4.  Eight — Dress.  -5.  Front. 

At  the  command  March,  the  first 
file  turns  to  the  left  and  moves 
straight  forward ;  the  other  files  con- 
tinue to  march  on,  and  at  two  paces 
before  arriving  opposite  the  place 
they  are  to  occupy  in  the  platoon, 
they  turn  successively  to  the  left. 

When  the  first  file  has  marched 

twenty   paces,  the   instructor    com- 

xy.  a.         mands  Halt.     At  this  command  it 

(  v- a         halts;  the  other  files  come  up  and 

S        form  successively  on  the  left  of  the 

0        first,  and  dress  to  the  right. 

Fig.  38. 
At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head  to  the  front, 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON.  61 

The  instructor  gives  the  command  7?^— -Dress  imme- 
diately after  Halt,  and  commands  Front  when  the  last 
tile  is  aligned. 

To  Form  on  Right  into  Line. 
The  column   marching  right  in   front,  to  form  into  line 
upon  the  prolongation  and  in  advance  of  its  right  flank  the 
instructor  commands  :  ; 

1.  On  riyht  into  line.     2.  March.     3.  Halt.     4.  Right— 
Dress.     5.  Front. 

|  At  the  command  March,  the  first  file 

to        turns  to  the  right  and  moves  straight  for- 
ward ;  the  other  files  continue  to  march 
aa        on,  and    each    turns   successively  to    the 
right  at  one  pace  beyond  the  point  where 
the  one  preceding  turned. 
T        m   •         When  the  first  file  has  marched  twenty 
(I       ffil  k    Paces,  the   instructor    commands   Halt. 
H  J     At  this  command  it  halts;  the  other  files 
come  up  and  form  successively  on  the  left 
£g        of  the  first,  and  dress  to  the  right. 
^  At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head 

p        to  the  front. 

The  instructor  gives  the  command  Right 
/m        — Dress  immediately  after   Halt,  and 
//jf  j        commands  Front  when  the  last  file  is 
///!  i         aligned. 

•      I 
///  To  Break  the  Platoon  by  Twos  or  by 

j/j  Fours. 

///nx    !  The  platoon  being  in  line,  the  instruct- 

?lL%. |_j         or  commands  : 

iLjjjJj"        1-  By  &*■  (or  hy  fours).     2.  March. 
Ml^ltf/lllllfl  3.  Guide  left, 

M&mm\  Figs.  30   and  40.     At   the   command 

siTl  March,  the  first  two  or  four  files  of  the 

Fig  39  right   move  straight   to  the  front  :    they 


62 


SCHOOL   OP   THE   PLATOON. 


are  followed  by  the  other  files,  who  move  off  when  the 
haunches  of  the  horses  of  the  rear  rank  are  on  a  line  with 
the  heads  of  the  horses  of  the  front  rank.  These  files 
march  straight  forward  six  paces,  execute  a  quarter-turn  to 
the  right  by  trooper,  and  march  in  this  direction  until  they 
meet  the  column,  when  they  take  their  places  in  it  by  ma- 
king a  quarter-turn  to  the  left. 

The  command  guide  left  is  given  immediately  after  that 
of  March,  that  the  trooper  on  the  left  of  the  front  rank  of 
twos  or  fours,  who  becomes  guide  of  the 
,A(f  column,  may  take  at  once  a  point  of  di- 

rection. 

After  breaking  by  twos,  Nos.  two  and 
four  being  guides,  keep  their  eyes  to 
g  the  front.     After  reaching  the  column, 
Nos.  one  and  three  dress  upon  them. 

After  breaking  by  fours,  Nos.  four 
become  guides  of  each  rank. 

Direct  March  in  Column  by  Twos  or 
by  Fours. 

The  principles  of  the  direct  march 
in  column  by  file,  are  applicable  to  the 
column  by  twos  or  by  fours. 

The  trooper  on  the  left  of  the  first 
rank  of  twos  (or  fours)  is  guide  of  the 
column ;  he  keeps  his  eyes  to  the  front, 
moves  straight  forward,  and  marches  so 
that  the  troopers  of  his  rank  may  be  at 
one  pace  from  the  croup  of  the  sub-in- 
The  trooper  on  the  left  of  each  of  the 


MW5M 


i/i/i/i/i/i:i/i/i/]fl 

Fig.  40. 

structor's  horse. 

other  ranks,  who  is  guide  of  his  rank,  preserves  the  head 
direct,  and  keeps  at  the  distance  of  two  feet  from  his  file- 
leader,  and  in  the  same  direction ;  the  other  troopers  of  each 
rank  look  occasionally  towards  the  guide,  in  order  to  align 
themselves  and  regulate  upon  him  their  rate  of  march. 
They  feel  lightly  the  boot  towards  that  side,  and  yield  to 
all  pressure  coming  from  it.  When  the  march  is  by  fours, 
they  resist  all  pressure  coming  from  the  opposite  direction. 


SCHOOL   OP  THE   PLATOON.  63 

When  the  platoon  marches  left  in  front,  the  guide  is  to 
the  right,  and  in  other  respects  the  troopers  conform  to  the 
same  principles. 

Change  of  Direction.  ^ 

The    column    marching    by  sSfiSSSS^^ 
twos  or  by  fours,  right   or  left  lA^A 

in  front,  the  instructor  commands  :  ^  **• 

Head  of  column  to  the  left  (or  to  the  right.')  £h 

At  this   command  the  assistant-instructor  com-        ffj 
mands : 

Fig.  41. 

1.  Left — Turn.     2.  Forward. 

Figs.  41  and  42.     At  the  first  part  of  A  pi  *k 
the  first  command,  which  is  Left,  the  left  ^  |§  ||  .';•. 
trooper,  who  is  pivot,  prepares  to  turn  at  \i\L. \ 

the  same  gait,  the  trooper  of  the  opposite     £}>       j|^g  fa 
side  to  lengthen  his.  gg| 

At  the  last  part  of  the  command,  which  (jfei 

is  Turn,  the  first  rank  of  twos  or  fours  §f(/p\ 

turn  to  the  left.     The   pivot   turns  at  the 
same  gait,  describing  an  arc  of  a  circle  of 
five  paces.  The  trooper  on  the  opposite  side  turns  in  length- 
ening the  gait;  the  other  troopers  turn  the  head   towards 
the  marching  flank,  to  regulate  their  rate  of  march,  feeling 
at  the  same  time  lightly  the  boot  on  the  side  of  the  pivot. 

At  the  command  Forward,  the  troopers  who  had  in- 
creased the  gait  resume  the  precise  pace  at  which  they 
were  before  moving,  and  the  head  of  the  column  marches 
straight  forward  in  the  new  direction. 

Each  rank  executes  the  same  movement  on  arriving  upon 
the  ground  where  the  first  has  turned. 

The  assistant-instructor  should  give  the  command  Left  in 
sufficient  time  to  command  Turn,  when  he  is  at  three  paces 
from  the  point  indicated  for  the  change  of  direction  ;  he 
executes  his  movement  in   lengthening  slightly  the   gait 


64 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON. 


without  leaving  the  centre  of  the  front  rank,  regulating 
himself  upon  the  marching  flank,  so  as  to  give  the  command 
Forward  at  the  instant  the  front  rank,  having  executed  a 
quarter  of  a  wheel,  is  in  a  direction  perpendicular  to  the 
former  one. 


4 
■m 


& 


l/Mh 


pi 

M/  I   ■'  I  lit 

mf(f 

I//// 


/// 

/  //  *'U 

wi  / 


iA! /  l 

m 

F5*;.  4: 


m/// 

£££&   I ,'       ' 

limy  /  • 

n 

Fi«.  4*i 


Individual  Oblique  March. 

The  column  marching  by  twos  or  by  fours,  the  instructor 


com  man 


ands  : 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON.  65 

1.  Right  (or  Ufi)  oblique.     2.  March. 

Figures  43  and  44.  At  the  command  March,  each 
trooper  executes  a  quarter-turn  to  the  right. 

The  trooper  on  the  left  of  the  first  rank,  who  is  guide  of 
the  column,  moves  straight  forward  in  the  new  direction, 
and  parallel  to  the  assistant-instructor.  The  trooper  on  the 
left  of  each  of  the  other  ranks,  who  is  guide  of  his  rank, 
moves  forward  also  in  the  new  direction,  observing  the 
guide  of  the  column  so  as  to  keep  on  the  same  line,  and  in 
a  parallel  direction  with  him. 

The  other  troopers  move  forward,  looking  occasionally  to 
the  left  so  as  to  align  themselves  upon  their  guide.     Each 
a  one  places  the  right  knee  behind  the  left 

knee  of  the  man  on  the  right,  and  the 
head  of  his  horse  opposite  the  lower  part 
of  the  neck  of  the  horse  on  his  right. 
The  troopers  march  thus,  in  each  rank, 
during  the  oblique  march. 

To  return  to  the  primitive  direction, 
the  instructor  commands — Forward, 
when  the  troopers  make  a  quarter-turn  to 
the  left  in  advancing,  and  move  forward 
in  direction  of  their  file-leaders.  - 

The  Platoon  Marching1  in  Column  by 
Twos  or  by  Fours,  to  form  it  to  the 
Front,  to  the  Left,  or  on  Eight,  into 
Line. 

To  form  to  the  front. 

The  platoon  marching  in  column  right 
in  front,  to  form  line  to  the  front,  the  in- 
structor commands : 

1.  Front  into  line.  2.  MARCH.  3. 
Halt.    4.   Eight— Dress.     5.   Front. 

Figures  45  and  46.  At  the  command 
March,  the  two  (or  four)  first  files  con- 
tinue to  march  forward;  the  other  ranks 
Fig.  4^>.  of   twos  (or  fours)  oblique   to  the   left, 


6<o 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON. 


march  in  the  direction,  and  make  a  quarter-turn  to  the  right 
on  coming  opposite  the  place  they  are  to  occupy  in  the 
platoon. 

When  the  first  files  have  marched  twenty  paces,  the  in- 
structor commands  Halt.     At  this  command,  they  halt 
square  to  the  front;  the  other  files  come  up  and  form  suc- 
*  cessively  on  their  left,  and  dress  to  the 

^  right. 

At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head 
to  the  front. 

The  instructor  gives  the  command 
Right-DRESti  immediately  after  that  of 
Halt,  and  commands  Front  when  the 
last  rank  of  twos  or  fours  is  aligned. 
To  form  to  the  left. 
The  column  marching  right  in  front,  to 
form  line  upon  its  left  flank,  the  instruc- 
tor commands : 

1.  Left  into  line.  2.  March.  8.  Halt. 
4.  Right — Dress.     5.  Front. 


Fig.  46. 

Figures  47  and  48.     At  the  com- 
mand March,  the  two  (or  four)  first 
files  turn  to  the  left  and  move  straight 
forward;  the  other  ranks  of  twos  (or 
fours)   continue  to  march  on,  and  at 
three  paces  before 
arriving    opposite 
the  place  they  are 
to  occupy  in  the 
platoon,  turn  sue-   f§£i|£|Bl 
cessively    to    the 
left. 

Fi«.  47 


SCHOOL   OP  THE   PLATOON. 


67 


T 


When  the  first  files  have  marched 
twenty  paces,  the  instructor  com- 
mands: Halt.  At  this  command 
the  first  files  halt  square  upon  the 
line;  the  other  files  come  up  and 
form  successively  on  their  left,  and 
dress  to  the  right. 

At  the    command    Front,   turn 
the  head  to  the 
front. 

The  instructor 
gives    the    com- 
mand     Right-*  ^-,  ^ 
Dress    irnmedi-  gj@||^ 
ately   after   that  ~          ^ 
of    Halt,    and               b' 
commands 
Front  when  the  two  (or  four)  last  files  are  aligned. 

To  Form  on  the  Right  into  Line. 

The  column  march- 
ing right  in  front  to 
jig  form  line  upon  the 
prolongation,  and  in 
advance  of  its  right 
flank,  the  instructor 
commands: 


imirZ~JZ 


Fig.  48. 


<% 


m 


E3>^ 


1.     On 

the 

right 

into  line. 

2. 

March. 

3. 

Halt. 

4. 

Eight 

— Dress. 

5 

Front. 

ffl 


Fig.  49. 


Figures  49  and  50.  At  the  command 
March,  the  two  (or  four)  first  files  turn  to 
the  right  and  move  straight  forward ;  the 
other  ranks  of  twos  (or  fours)  continue  to 
march  ou,  and  each  turns  successively  to  the 
right,  at  three  paces  beyond  the  point  where 
the  preceding  rank  has  turned.     "When  the 


68 


m 


f/VM 


SCHOOL   OF  THE   PLATOON. 

first  files  have  march- 
ed twenty  paces,  the 
instructor  commands 
Halt.  At  this  com- 
mand, the  first  files 
halt  square  upon  the 
line;  the  other  files 

come  up   and   form  successively  on  their 

left,  and  dress  to  the  right. 

At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head 

to  the  front. 

The  instructor  gives  the  command  Right 

— Dress  immediately  after  that  of  Halt, 

and  commands  Front  when  the  two  (or 

four)  last  files  are  aligned. 


F'm.  50. 


To  Form  the  Platoon  to  the  Left  m  One  Rank. 

«  The   platoon    being   formed   in 

v  two    ranks,   the    instructor    com- 

mands : 

1.  Left  into  single  rank.  2. 
March.  3.  Front.  4.  Halt. 
5.  Right — Dress.     6.  Front. 

Figure  51.  At  the  command 
March,  the  front  rank  moves  for- 
ward six  paces,  dressing  by  the 
right;  the  trooper  on  the  left  of 
the  rear  rank  hums  to  the  left  and 
moves  forward;  he  is  followed  by  all  the  other  troopers 
of  that  rank,  who  execute  successively  the  same  move- 
ment. 

At  the  command  Front,  the  trooper  on  the  left  of  the 
rear  rank  turns  to  the  right,  and  the  other  troopers  succes- 
sively, when  they  have  arrived  nearly  opposite  the  place 
they  are  to  occupy  in  the  rank. 


fa 

'  ji  1  Mm 

|    l/l  Mi  W/JZR/i 
Fig.  51. 


SCHOOL   OF  THE   PLATOON.  69 

At  the  command  Halt,  the  trooper  on  the  left  halts, 
and  successively  the  others,  on  arriving  abreast  of  him. 

At  the  command  Right — Dress,  all  the  troopers  of  the 
rear  rank  dress  to  the  right. 

At  the  sixth  command,  which  is  Front,  turn  the^head 
to  the  front. 

The  instructor  gives  the  third  command,  which  is 
Front,  the  moment  that  one-third  of  the  rear  rank  in 
column  have  passed  the  front  rank;  he  commands  Right — 
Dress,  when  the  trooper  on  the  right  of  the  rear  rank  has 
fronted. 

To  Form  the  Platoon  to  the  Right  in  Two  Ranks. 

The  platoon  being  in  one  rank,  the  instructor  desig- 
nates the  trooper  who  is  to  be  on   the  left  of  the  front 

rank,  also  the  one  to  be  on  the 

J^  right  of   the   rear  rank,  and 

commands  : 

\        1.  Right  into  two  ranks.    2. 

m  March.     3.    Right— Dress. 

;    4    Front. 


;     :|ill_„i  Jill  Figure  52.  At  the  command 

SA  March,  the  front  rank  moves 

forward  six  paces,  dressing  by 
the  right ;  the  trooper  on  the 
Fig.  52.  right  of  the  rear  rank  turns  to 

the  right  as  soon  as  the  front  rank  has  passed,  and  moves 
forward  obliquing  to  the  right ;  when  he  is  nearly  in  rear 
of  the  trooper  on  the  right  of  the  front  rank,  he  fronts  by 
turning  to  the  lift.  All  the  other  troopers  execute  succes- 
sively the  same  movement,  placing  themselves  exactly  be- 
hind their  iile-leaders  and  at  their  proper  distances. 

At  the  command  Right — Dress,  all  the  troopers  align 
themselves  to  the  right. 

At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head  to  the  front. 
The  instructor  gives  the  command  Right — Dress,  when 
the  trooper  on  the  right  of  the  rear  rank  has  turned  to  the 
front. 


70  SCHOOL   OF  THE   PLATOON. 

To  Form  Twos  and  Fours  at  the  same  Gait. 

^3  The  platoon  marching  in  column  by  file, 

GO  right  in  front,   to   form  twos  the  instructor 

(|/)  commands : 

fH  1.  Form  twos.     2.  MARcn. 

(£  Figure  53.  At  the  command  March,  the 

W         first  file  continues  to   march  on,  and  halts 

when  it  has  marched  ten  paces ;  the  second 

j(f         $l](i\$     n^e  obliques  to  the  left,  and  comes  up  abreast 

(f         of  the  first  j  on   arriving  there,  it  halts  and 

0         dresses  to  the   right.     All   the   other  files 

^>        continue  to   march   straight   forward,  Nos. 

^         two  and  four  executing  their  movement  in 

.  the  same  manner,  but  successively,  and  when 

Nos.  one  and  three,  upon  which  they  should 

form,   have   nearly  arrived  at  their  proper 

distance,  and  are  about  to  halt. 

0  The  platoon  marching  in  column  by  twos, 

(\         right  in  front,  to  form  fours  the  instructor 

jTj         commands : 

1.   Form  fours.     2.  March. 

Figure  54.  At  the  command  March,  the 

p.     r  two  first  files  continue  to  march  on,  and  halt 

' '  when  they  have  marched  ten  paces  ;  the  two 

■A\§  following  files  oblique  to  the  left,  and  come 

up  abreast   of   the    first  two ;    on    arriving 

there,  they  halt  and  dress  to  the  right.     All 

the  other  files  continue   to  march  straight 

forward,  Nos.  three  and  four  executing  their 

movement  in   the  same  manner,  but  succes- 

*p^  S       sively,  and   when  Nos.   one  and  two,  upon 

which  they   should   form,   have    nearly  ar- 

M  rived  at  their  proper  distance,  and  are  about 

J7j5]  to  halt. 

Qfj  When  the  column  is  at  a  trot,  the  forma- 

tion of  twos  and  fours  at  the  same  gait  is 
•*!  executed  following  the  same  principles.   The 


fli 


SCIIOOL   OF  THE   PLATOON.  71 

first,  or  first  two  files,  pass  to  the  icalky  at  the  command 
March  ;  The  others  continue  to  march  at  the  trot,  until 
they  have  arrived  abreast  of  those  on  which  they  should 
form  ;  then  they  pass  to  the  walk. 

When  the  column  is  at  a  gallop,  the  movement  is  exe- 
cuted following  the  same  principles.  The  first,  or  first  two 
files,  pass  to  the  trot  at  the  command  March  ;  the  others 
continue  to  march  at  the  gallop,  until  they  have  executed 
their  formation  :  then  they  pass  to  the  trot. 

To  Break  by  Twos  and  by  File  at  the  same  Gait, 

To  Break  by  Twos. 

The  platoon  marching  in  column  by  fours,  right  in  front, 
to  break  by  twos  the  instructor  commands : 

1.  By  twos.    2.  March.    3.  Guide  left. 

j\|  Figure  55.  At  the  command  By  twos,  all 

£|  the  troopers  prepare  to  halt,  except  Nos.  one 

&&  and  two  of  the  leading  files. 

U  At  the  command  March,  Nos.  one  and 

ffe>  two  of  the  leading  files   continue  to  march 

ijj]        M  $S  at  the  same  gait ;  all  the  others  halt.     Files 

II  three  and  four  of  the  leading  rank  oblique 

H  to  the  right  the  moment  they  are  passed  by 
the  croup  of  the  horses  of  the  rear  rank  of 


$f  •  Nos.  one  and  two,  and  place  themselves  in 

column  behind  them. 


Each  rank  of  fours  executes  successively 
MM         the  same  movement,  files  one  and  two  break- 
Fig.  55.         ing  as  soon   as  files  three  and  four  of  the 
rank  which  precedes  them  have  commenced  obliquing  in 
order  to  enter  the  column. 

Files  one  and  two,  which  break  to  the  front,  regulate 
their  gait  so  as  to  preserve  their  distances ;  and  files  three 
and  four  keep  their  horses  straight  so  as  not  to  constrain 
the  movements  of  files  one  and  two. 


72  SCHOOL    OF   THE    TLATOON. 


To  hreah  hy  file. 


y  A  The  platoon  marching  in  column  by  twos, 

a  right  in  front,  to  break  by  file,  the  instruc- 

ts tor  commands  : 

a  1.  By  file.    2.  March. 

Figure  56.  At  the  command  By  file,  all 

a  the  troopers  prepare  to  halt  except  the  right 

l|  file  of  the  leading  rank  of  twos. 

(')  At  the  command   March,  the  right  file 

of  the  leading   rank  of  twos   continues  to 

march  at  the  same  gait ;  all  the  others  halt. 

y  The  left  file  of  this  same  rank  obliques  to 

i  the  right,  the  moment  it  is  passed  by  the 

$  croup  of  the  rear  rank  horse  of  No.  one,  and 

$  !  places  itself  in  column  behind  the  first  file. 

|  r      &i-'Jk  Each  rank  of  twos  executes  successively 

aJ   0S     the   game   movement,   files   one    and    three 

S  breaking  as  soon  as  files  two  and  four  who 

precede    them   have    commenced  obliquing 

[§j  in  order  to  enter  the  column. 

fitj\  Files  one  and  three,  which  break  to  the 

fh  front,  regulate  their  gait  so  as  to  have  their 

distances.     Files  two  and  four  keep  their 

^  horses  straight,  so  as   not  to  constrain  the 

Fig.  56.         movements  of  files  one  and  three. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  trot,  to  break  by  twos  or  by 

file  is  executed  on  the  same  principles ;  the  right  files  of 

the  leading  rank  continues  at  the  trot;  all  the  others  take 

the  walk  at  the  command  March,  and  resume  the  trot,  in 

order  to  enter  the  column ;  when  the  column  is  at  the  gallop, 

the  files  which  are   to  break  take  the  trot  at  the  command 

March,  and  afterwards  resume  the  gallop  on  entering  the 

column. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE  TLATOON.  73 

To  Form  Twos  and  Fours  in  Doubling  the  Gait. 
To  form  twos. 

The  platoon  marching  in  column  by  file,  right  in  front, 
to  form  twos  the  instructor  commands  : 

1.  Form  twos — trot.    2.  March.    3.  Guide  left. 

At  the  command  Form  tioos — trot,  all  the  troopers  pre- 
pare to  take  the  trot,  except  the  leading  file. 

At  the  command  March,  all  the  troopers  take  the  irotf 
except  the  leading  file ;  the  second  file  obliques  to  the  left, 
and  conies  up  abreast  of  the  first;  on  arriving  there  it 
takes  the  walk ;  all  the  other  files  continue  to  march  for- 
ward at  the  trot.  Files  four  and  two  execute  their  move- 
ment in  the  same  manner,  but  successively,  when  three  and 
one,  upon  whom  they  are  to  form,  have  nearly  arrived  at 
their  distance,  and  are  about  to  pass  to  the  walk. 

To  form  fours. 

The  platoon  marching  in  column  by  twos,  right  in  front, 
to  form  fours  the  instructor  commands  : 

1.  Form  fours — trot.    2.  March.    3.  Guide  left. 

At  the  command  Form  fours — trot,  all  the  troopers  pre- 
pare to  take  the  trot,  except  the  two  leading  files. 

At  the  command  March,  all  the  troopers  take  the  trot, 
except  the  two  leading  files ;  the  two  following  files  oblique 
to  the  left,  and  come  up  abreast  of  the  two  first ;  on  ar- 
riving there  they  resume  the  walk  ;  all  the  other  files  con- 
tinue to  march  forward  at  the  trot.  Files  three  and  four 
execute  their  movement  in  the  same,  manner,  but  succes- 
sively, when  files  one  and  two,  upon  whom  they  are  to  form, 
have  nearly  arrived  at  their  distance,  and  are  about  to  pass 
to  the  walk. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  trot,  the  movement  is  execu- 
ted on  the  same  principles.  At  the  command  March,  all 
the  troopers  pass  to  the  gallop,  except  the  files  at  the  head 
of  the  column,  and  resume  the  trot  when  their  formation  is 
executed. 
4 


74  SCHOOL   OF   THE    PLATOON. 

To  Break  by  Twos  and  by  File  in  Doubling  the  Gait. 

To  break  by  twos. 

The  platoon  marching  in  column  by  fours,  the  instructor 
commands : 

1.  By  twos — trot.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  left. 

At  the  command  by  twos — trot,  files  one  and  two  of  the 
leading  rank  of-  fours  prepare  to  trot. 

At  the  command  March,  they  commence  the  trot ;  all 
the  other  files  continue  to  inarch  at  the  walk  ;  files  three 
and  four  take  the  trot  successively  and  oblique  to  the  right, 
in  order  to  place  themselves  in  column  behind  files  one  and 


two. 


To  break  by  file. 


The  platoon  marching  in  column  by  twos,  right  in  front, 
to  break  by  file,  the  instructor  commands  : 

1.  By  file — trot.     2.  March. 

At  the  command  By  file — trot,  the  right  file  of  the  lead- 
ing rank  of  twos  prepares  to  trot. 

At  the  command  March,  it  commences  the  trot ;  all  the 
other  files  continue  to  march  at  the  walk ;  files  two  and 
four  assume  the  trot  successively  and  oblique  to  the  right, 
in  order  to  place  themselves  behind  files  one  and  three  in 
the  column. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  trot,  to  break  in  doubling  the 
gait,  the  instructor  commands  :  1.  By  ticos  (or  by  file) — • 
gallop;  2.  March;  which  is  executed  on  the  same  prin- 
ciples. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  gallop,  the  files  which  are  to 
break  take  the  trot  at  the  command  March,  and  afterwards 
resume  the  gallop  on  entering  the  column. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON.  75 


Direct  March  of  the  Platoon  in  Line. 

The  principles  of  the  direct  march  give  the  troopers  the 
means, 

1st.  Of  preserving  the  alignments  in  marching  without 
being  disunited  ; 

•    2d.  Of  not  closing  too  much,  and  of  recovering  the  re- 
quired distances  when  they  have  closed  ; 

3d.  Of  not  opening,  and  of  closing  upon  each  other 
again  when  they  have  opened; 

4th.  Of  not  throwing  the  guide  out  of  his  direction,  and 
of  permitting  him  to  return  to  it  if  he  ha«  been  forced 
out. 

The  most  important  point  in  the  direct  march  being  to 
keep  the  horses  straight  in  the  ranks,  it  is  indispensable 
that  the  troopers  should  preserve  the  head  erect. 

To  keep  themselves  aligned,  the  troopers  should  feel 
lightly  the  boot  of  the  men  on  the  side  of  the  guide,  and 
march  at  an  equal  gait. 

The  troopers  should  yield  to  all  pressure  coming  from 
the  side  of  the  guide,  and  resist  that  coming  from  the  op- 
posite side. 

The  guide  should  always  inarch  at  a  free  and  steady 
gait,  and  change  it  with  steadiness  in  order  to  avoid  irregu- 
larity in  the  ranks. 

If  the  troopers  are  in  front  or  in  rear  of  the  alignment, 
too  near  to  or  too  far  from  the  man  on  the  side  of  the  guide, 
they  move  from  or  approach  him  gradually,  and  in  gaining 
ground  to  the  front. 

When  the  guide  feels  himself  thrown  out  of  his  direc- 
tion, he  extends  his  arm  to  •  the  front  to  indicate  that 
there  is  too  much  pressure  toward  him.  Then  the  troop- 
ers carry  the  hand  toward  the  opposite  side,  give  a  glance 
to  the  guide,  and  straighten  their  horses  as  soon  as  the 
guide  is  relieved. 

When  the  platoon  is  halted,  the  alignment  is  ordered  to^ 
wards  the  si-de  of  the  guide. 


76  school  or  the  platoon. 

To  march  the  platoon  forward,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

1.  Platoon  forward.     2.  Guide  right  (or  left.     3.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  all  the  troopers  move  straight 
forward,  at  the  same  gait  with  the  men  on  the  side  of  the 
guide. 
.  To  halt  the  platoon,  the  instructor  commands  : 

1.  Platoon.     2.  Halt.     3.  Eight  (or  left) — Dress. 
4.  Front. 

At  the  command  Halt,  the  troopers  stop. 

At  the  command  Right — Dress,  they  align  themselves. 

At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head  to  the  front. 

Counter-march. 

The  platoon  having  arrived  at  the  extremity  of  the 
ground,  in  order  to  change  the  direction,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

1.    Counter-march — hy  the  right-flank.      2.  By  file  to  the 
right.     3.  March. 

pvv  <[SI        Figure  57.     At  the   command 

:- rf$H    ^      Counter-march — by    th  e  r  ig  h  t 

Li".".".". "$j&  |  g        flank,   t  h  e    assistant    instructor 

,-;;.::-rfr-vL;::^^  ^j  places  himself  facing  to  the  rear 

r     ,i^1  at  six  paces   from  the   rear  rank, 

[[':'^W)  and  in  such   a  position  that  the 

%-*K  trooper  who  is  to  be  placed  on  his 

left  may  find  himself  in  the  direc- 

Q*  tion  of  the  left  file  of  the  platoon. 

The   file-closer  places  himself  on 

Fig.  57.  the  right  of  the  platoon,  facing  to 

the  right,  the  croup  of  his  horse  one  pace  from,  and  on  the 

line  of  haunches  of  the  horses  of  the  rear  rank,  in  order  to 

mark  the  wheeling  point. 

At  the  command  March,  the  trooper  on  the  right  of 
each  rank  turns  to  the  right,  the  rear  rank  man  joining 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON.  77 

in  his  movement  the  front  rank  man  ;  they  then  wheel  to- 
gether to  the  right,  the  latter  lengthening  a  little  his  gaii ;: 
they  pass  before  the  file-closer,  very  near  the  croup  of  the 
horses  of  the  rear  rank,  and  are  followed  by  the  other  troop- 
ers, who  execute  successively  the  same  movement,  taking 
care  to  pass  over  the  same  ground. 

When  the  first  file  is  within  two  paces  of  the  assistant-in- 
structor, who  indicates  the  point  on  which  it  is  to  form,  the 
instructor  commands : 

1.  Front.     2.  Halt.     3.  Itight — Dress.    4.  Front. 

At  the  commands  Front  and  Halt,  the  first  file  turns 
to  the  left  and  halts,  the  trooper  of  the  rear  rank  taking 
care  to  slacken  the  pace,  and  place  himself  exactly  behind 
his  file-leader.  All  the  other  files  execute  successively  the 
same  movement. 

At  the  last  command,  which  is  Front,  turn  the  head  to 
the  front. 

The  instructor  gives  the  command  Right — Dress,  imme- 
diately after  that  of  halt,  and  commands  Front,  when  the 
last  file  is  aligned. 

The  assistant-instruetor  and  file-closer  return  to  their 
places. 

Wheelings. 

There  arc  two  kinds  of  wheels:  the  wheel  on  a  fixed  piv- 
ot, and  the  wheel  on  a  moveable  pivot. 

The  wheel  is  always  on  a  fixed  pivot,  except  when  the 
command  is  right  (or  left) — Turn. 

The  troopers  should  execute  this  movement  without  dis- 
uniting, and  without  ceasing  to  observe  the  alignment. 

In  every  kind  of  wheel,  the  conductor  of  the  marching 
flank  should  measure  with  his  eye  the  arc  of  the  circle  he 
is  to  pass  over,  so  that  it  may  not  be  necessary  for  the  files 
either  to  open  or  close.  He  turns  his  head  occasionally  to- 
wards the  pivot  j  if  he  perceives  that  the  troopers  are  too 
much  crowded,  or  too  open,  he  increases  or  diminishes  grad- 


78  SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON. 

ually  the  extent  of  his  circle,  in  gaining  more  ground  to  the 
front  than  to  the  side. 

Each  trooper  in  the  front  rank  should  describe  his  circle 
in  the  ratio  of  the  distance  at  -which  he  may  be  from  the 
pivot.  As  these  different  arcs  are  all  passed  over  in  the 
same  time,  it  is  necessary  that  each  trooper  should  slacken 
his  pace  in  proportion  to  the  distance  from  the  marching 
flank. 

During-  the  wheel,  the  troopers  should  turn  the  head 
slightly  toward  the  marching  flank,  to  regulate  the  rapidity 
of  their  march  and  to  keep  themselves  aligned;  they  should 
also' feel  lightly  the  boot  on  the  side  of  the  pivot,  in  order 
to  remain  close  to  that  side.  They  should,  nevertheless, 
yield  to  pressure  coming  from  the  pivot,  and  resist  that  from 
the  opposite  direction.  The  horses  are  slightly  turned  to- 
ward the  pivot,  in  order  to  keep  them  upon  the  circular  line 
they  have  to  pass  over.- 

In  every  kind  of  wheel,  the  troopers  should  cease  wheel- 
ing and  retake  the  direct  march  at  the  command  Forward, 
at  whatever  point  of  the  wheel  they  maybe;  it  is  necessary 
to  observe,  also,  that  the  flanks  which  become  pivots,  or 
marching  flanks,  do  not  slacken  or  augment  the  pace  before 
the  command  of  execution. 


To  Wheel  on  a  Fixed  Pivot. 

,  The  object  of  a  wheel  on  a  fixed  pivot  is,  when  the  pla- 
toon forms  a  part  of  the  squadron,  to  pass  from  the  order  of 
battle  to  the  order  of  column,  and  the  reverse. 

The  trooper  who  forms  the  pivot  of  the  wheel  turns  upon 
his  own  ground,  without  advancing  or  reining  back,  and 
without  passing  to  the  right  or  to  the  left,  so  that  the  centre 
of  gravity  of  his  horse  remains  always  on  the  same  point. 
Thus,  in  wheeling  to  the  right,  the  shoulders  of  the  pivot 
horse  describes  an  arc  of  circle  in  passing  from  left  to 
right,  while  the  haunches  describe  another  in  passing  from 
right  to  left 


SCHOOL   OF   1HE   PLATOON.  7i» 

The  trooper  at  the  pivot  should  turn  his  head  slightly  to- 
wards the  marching  flank,  that  he  may  continue  aligned  on 
the  conductor  of  that  flank. 

When  the  platoon-  is  marching  the  pivot  halts,  and  the_ 
marching  flank  executes  its  movement  at  the  same  gait  as 
before  the  wheel. 

If  tne  instructor  indicates  a  new  gait,  in  order  to  wheel, 
the  marching  flank  wheels  at  this  gait;  all  the  other  troop- 
ers, who  regulate  the  rapidity  of  their  march  in  accordance 
with  their  distance  from  the  marching  flank,  take  freely  the 
new  gait  at  the  command  Forward. 

When  the  platoon  is  halted  after  a  wheel  on  a  fixed  piv- 
ot, the. alignment  is  always  ordered  toward  the  side  of  the 
inarching  flank;  but  as  the  pivot  should  never  move  from 
its  place,  the  marching  flank  should  come  up  abreast  of  it. 

When  the  platoon  is  marched  forward  after  a  wheel  on  a 
fixed  pivot,  the  guide  is  ordered  on  the  side  of  the  march- 
ing flank,  immediately  after  the  command  Forward,  un- 
less the  movement  of  the  platoon  in  the  squadron  requires 
the  contrary. 

The  wheelings  are  executed  at  first  ;n  single  rank  :  for 
this  purpose  the  front  rank  is  marched  forward,"  and  halted 
when  arrived  at  a  distance  from  the  rear  rank  equal  to 
double  its  front;  the  file-closer  remains  at  his  place ;  the 
assistant-instructor  places  himself  behind  the  front  rank  ; 
each  ot  them  observes  the  rank  behind  wliich  he  is  placed. 

The  ranks  being  aligned,  the  instructor  commands  : 

1.*  Platoon  in  circle  right  (or  left)  ivheel.     2.  MARCH. 

Figure  58.  At  the  command  March,  the  troopers  put 
themselves  in  motion,  turning  the  head  toward  the  march- 
ing flank.  The  non-commissioned  officer  who  conducts  this 
flank  marches  at  a  walk,  measuring  with  the  eye  the  extent 
of  the  circle  he  is  to  pass  over,  that  neither  opening  nor 
closing  may  be  caused  in  the  rank,  and  that  the  troopers 
may  keep   aligned.     The  pivot  man  turns  upon  his  own 


80  SCHOOL   OF  THE   PLATOON. 

ground,  regulating  himself  upon  the 
(Ja.  35  2a"N  marching  flank. 

<^  \  When  the  platoon  has  made  seve- 

ral wheels,  to  halt  it  the  instructor 
commands  : 


/      1.  Platoon.     2.  Halt.     3.  Left  (or 
i^\  /  right) — Dress.     4.  Front. 

i?    ^-;---»" ^-r-;_''  *       At  the  command  Halt,  the  troop- 

ra-  •/**  Vk,      ~  ers  straighten  their  horses  and  halt 


^     \       with  steadiness. 


At  the  command  Left  (or  right) 
pff/HlMMlMI^  —Dress,  they  align  themselves  to- 
\  «>»      ward  the  side  indicated.         • 

\  /  At  the  command  Front,  turn  the 

\.^  j>«  head  to  the  front. 

The  two  ranks  are  then  marched 
Fig.  58.  forward',   preserving   between    them 

the  same  distance,  and  made  to  recommence  the  wheel. 
When  the  instructor  wishes  the  platoon  to  take  the  direct, 
march,  he  commands : 

1.  Forward.     2.    Guide  left  (or  right.) 

At  the  first  command,  which  is  Forward,  the  pivot  re- 
sumes the  gait  at  which  it  was  previously  marching. 

All  the  other"  troopers  straighten  their  horses,  and  the 
two  flanks  move  forward  at  the  same  gait,  conforming  to  the 
principles  of  the  direct  march. 

•At  the  command  guide  left  (or  riyht),  the  troopers  regu- 
late their  movement  toward  the  side  indicated. 

When  the  troopers  have  executed  several  wheels  to  tlie 
right  and  to  the  left,  interrupted  occasionally  by  direct 
marches,  and  when  the  horses  become  calm,  the  instructor 
causes  them  to  pass  to  the  trot;  after  several  wheels  at  the 
trot,  they  resume  the  walk. 

If  the  platoon  is  wheeling  to  the  right,  and  the  instructor 
wishes  it  to  change  the  wheel  to  the  left  without  halting,  he 
commands : 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON;  81 

1.  Platoon  in  circle  left  wheel.     2.  MARCH. 

At  the  command  March,  the  left  flank  halts,  and  be- 
comes the  pivot.  The  right  flank  assuming  the  gait  at 
which  the  left  flank  was  marching,  moves  forward  and 
describes  a  circle  proportionate  to  the  extent  of  the  front. 
All  the  other  troopers  straighten  their  horses,  and  guide 
them  so  as  to  pass  over  new  circles  in  all  inverse  sense. 

The  troopers  being  sufficiently  exercised  at  the  wheels 
in  single  rank  at  the  walk  and  the  trot,  the  ranks  are  closed 
and  the  wheels  executed  by  platoon,  in  following  the  same 
gradation. 

The  instructor  commands: 

1.  Platoon  in  circle  right  (or  left)  tcheel     2.  March. 

Fig.  59.  At  the  command  March,  the  troopers  of  the 
front  rank  execute  this  movement,  as  prescribed.  The 
troopers  of  the  rear  rank  turn  the  head  and  carry  the  hand 
towards  the  marching  flank,  so  that  each  one  may  be  out  of 
the  direction  of  his  file-leader  by  two  troopers.  For  this 
purpose,  the  moment  the  wheel  commences,  each  rear  rank 
man  executes  a  quarter-turn  to  the  left,  sustaining  the 
haunches  of  the  horse  with  the  right  leg,  when   the  wheel 


Fig.  59. 

is  to  the  right,  (or  a  quarter-turn  to  the  right,  in  sustaining 
the  haunches  of  his  horse  with  the  left  leg  when  the  wheel 


82  SCHOOL   OF   THE  PLATOON. 

is  to  the  left,)  keeping  during  the  wheel  in  the  direction  of 
his  new  file-leader,  and  remaining  at  the  distance  of  two 
feet  from  the  front  rank.  The  two  rear  rank  men  on  the 
marching  flank,  who  are  without  file-leaders,  should  describe 
their  circle  without  being  farther  outside  of  the  front  rank 
than  is  necessary,  and  be  able  to  resume  their  places  behind 
their  file-leaders  easily.  During  the  wheel,  they  should 
regulate  their  gait,  so  that  the  rear  rank,  which  aligns  itself 
upon  them,  may  be  at  its  proper  distance. 
To  stop  the  wheel,  the  instructor  commands : 

1.  Platoon.     2.  Halt.     3.  Left  (or  right) — Dress. 
4.  Front. 

At  the  command  Platoon,  the  rear  rank  men  straighten 
their  horses  and  return'  to  the  direction  of  their  file-leaders. 

At  the  command  Halt,  all  the  troopers  stop. 

At  the  command  Left  (or  right) — Dress,  they  align 
themselves  towards  the  side  indicated. 

At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head  to  the  front. 

When  the  instructor  wishes  the  platoon  to  resume  the 
direct  march,  he  commands: 

1.  Forward.     2.   Guide  left  (or  right). 

At  the  first  command,  which  is  Forward,  the  rear  rank 
men  replace  themselves  behind  their  file-leaders,  and  march 
straight  forward. 

To  give  the  troopers  the  habit  of  correcting  faults,  the 
pivot  man  is  directed  to  bear  against  the  rank,  so  that  the 
other  troopers,  feeling  the  pressure  from  that  direction,  may 
learn  to  gain  ground  towards  the  marching  flank.  The 
pivot  is  then  directed  to  gain  ground  in  the  opposite  direc- 
tion, which  would  require  the  other  troopers  to  approach 
him  gradually.' 

When  the  troopers  have  acquired  in  the  execution  of 
these  movements,  at  the  walk,  the  intelligence  and  skill 
necessary  to  avoid  confusion,  they  are  repeated  at  the 
trot. 

The  platoon    being  halted,    to   place  it  in   a   direction 


SCHOOL   OF  THE  PLATOON.  83 

perpendicular  to   the   original  front,  the   instructor  com- 
mands : 

1.  Platoon  right  (or  left)  wheel     2.    March.     3.  Halt. 
4.  Left  (or  right) — Dress.  .   5.  Front. 

Which  is  executed  on  the  same  principles  of  the  wheel 
on  a  fixed  pivot. 

The  instructor  gives  the  command  Halt,  when  the 
marching  flank  has  nearly  terminated  its  wheel. 

The  platoon  being  halted,  to  face  it  to  the  rear,  the 
instructor  commands: 

1.  Platoon  right-about  (or  left-about)  icheel.     2.  MARCH. 
3.  Halt.     4.  Lejt  (or  right) — Dress.     5.  Front. 

Which  is  executed  following  the  principles  prescribed 
for  a  wheel  on  a  fixed  pivot,  the  platoon  passing  over  a  half 
circle. 

The  instructor  gives  the  command  Halt,  when  the 
marching  flank  has  nearly  completed  the  half  circle,,  and 
the  platoon  is  on  a  line  parallel  to  the  original  front. 

The  platoon  being  halted,  to  place  it  towards  its  right  in 
a  direction  oblique  to  the  original  front,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

1.  Platoon  right  half  (or  left  half)  wheel     2.  March.    . 
3.  Halt.     4.  Left  (or  right) — Dress.    -5.  Front. 

Which  is  executed  on  the  principles  of  the  wheel  on  a 
fixed  pivot. 

The  instructor  gives  the.  command  Halt,  when  the 
marching  flank  has  nearly  completed  its  half-wheel  to  the 
right  or  to  the  left. 

Before  dressing  the  platoon,  the  trooper  on  the  marching 
flank  is  made  to  come  up  abreast  of  the  pivot  man,  so  that 
the  other  troopers  will  not  have  to  rein-back  in  order  to 
align  themselves.  • 

The  platoon  being  on  the  march,  the  same  movements 
are  executed  at  the  commands:  I.  Platoon  right  (or 
left)  wheel,  right-about' (ox  left-about).  wheel,  right-half  (or 


. 


84  SCHOOL   OF   THE  PLATOON. 

left-half)  wheel:  2.  March;  3.  Forward;  4.  Guide 
right  (or  left). 

At  the  command  March,  the  wheeling  flank  wheels  at 
the  gait  at  which  the  platoon  was  marching ;  the  pivot  flank 
halts. 

At  the  third  command,  which  is  Forward,  the  pivot 
resumes  its  original  pace,  and  the  two  flanks  move  forward 
at  the  same  gait. 

These  movements  being  properly  executed  from  a  halt  and 
at  the  ivalk,  are  repeated  at  the  trot. 

To  Wheel  on  a  Moveable  Pivot. 

The  wheel  on  a  moveable  pivot  is  employed  in  the  suc- 
cessive changes  of  direction  in  column.  fl| 

In  this  wheel)  the  object  of  the  moveable  pivot  is  to  leave     I 
by  degrees  the  ground  on  which  the  movement  commences, 
by  advancing  in  the  new  direction. 

The  conductor  of  the  marching  flank  should  increase  his 
gait  and  describe  his  arc  of  circle  so  as  to  cause  the  files 
neither  to  open  nor  close.  The  pivot  describes  an  arc  of 
five  paces  in  slackening  the  gait.  In  each  rank,  the  troopers 
from  the  centre  to  the  marching  flank  increase  the  gait 
progressively,  so  that  the  centre  man  preserves  the  gait  at 
which  the  platoon  was  marching.  The  troopers  from  the 
centre  to  the  pivot  slacken  the  gait  progressively.  At  the 
end  of  the  wheel  on  a  moveable  pivot,  the  portion  of  the 
rank  which  had  augmented  its  gait  should  slacken  it,  and 
that  which  had  slackened  its  gait  should  augment  it.  All 
the  troopers  straighten  their  horses ;  the  marching  flank 
and  the  pivot  resume  the  gait  at  which  they  originally 
marched.  » 

The  platoon  being  on  the  march,  and  supposed  to  be  the 
the  head  of  the  column,  to  cause  it  to  change  direction,  the 
instructor  commands :  (  . 

'.  Head  of  column  to  the  right  (or  to  the  left). 

At  this  command,  the  assistant-instructor  commands : 

1.  Right  (or  left)— Turn.     2.  Forward. 


SCHOOL   OF  THE   PLATOON.  85 


Fig.  60.     At  the  first  part  of  the 

first  command,  which  is  right  (or  left,) 

the   pivot   prepares    to    slacken,   and 

&  ^Si        tne  marching   flank   to   augment  the 

^ll/^p  gait. 

««Mifej  a      At.th?  sf0l;d-  p£rt  of\thVame 

MfflttttMfii '       %   command,  which  is  Turn,  the  platoon 

fflfflM®         *    turns  to  the  left  or  to  the  right,  the 

stS  pivot  slackening  its  gait,  in  describing 

Fig.  60.  an  arc   of  five  paces;    the  marching 

flank  augments  its  gait,  and  regulates  itself  by  the  pivot 

during  the  whole  of  the  wheel. 

At  the  last  command,  which  is  Forward,  all  the  troopers 
straighten  their  horses,  the  pivot  and  marching  flank  mov- 
ing forward  in  the  gait  at  which  the  platoon  was  originally 
marching. 


■a* 


Individual  Oblique  March. 

The  platoon  marching  in  line,  to  cause  it  to  gain  ground 
towards  one  of  its  flanks,  without  changing  the  front  the 
instructor  command : 

1.  Right  (or  left)  oblique.     2.  March. 

Fig.  61.  At  the  command  March,  the  troopers  execute 
all  at  the  same  time,  a  quarter-turn  to  the  right,  so  that  the 
head  of  each  horse  may  be  opposite  the  extremity  of  the 
neck  of  the  horse  on  his  right,  and  that  the  right  knee  of 
each  trooper  may  be  in  rear  of  the  left  knee  of  the  trooper 
on  his  right.  The  first  movement  being  executed,  the 
troopers  move  forward  in  the  new  direction,  regulating 
themselves  upon  the  guide. 

When  the  platoon  has  obliqued  sufficiently,  the  instructor 
commands :  Forward. 

At  this  command,  the  troopers  straighten  their  horses, 
and  move  forward,  regulating  themselves  upon  the  guide. 

In  the  oblique  march,  the  guide  is  always  on  the  ob- 


86 


SCHOOL   OP   THE   TLATOON. 


liquing  side,  without  being  indicated  j  and  after  the  com- 
mand Forward,  the  guide  returns,  without  indication,  to 
the  side  on  which  was  originally. 


*i  I& 


nbDDOM 


Fig.  61. 


The  Platoon  Marching1  in  Line,  to  Break  it  by  Fours  or 
by  Twos  at  the  same  gait. 

The  instructor  commands : 

1.  By  fours  (or  by  twos).     2.  March.     3.   Guide  left. 

At  the  command  March,  the  four  (or  two)  first  files 
of  the  right  continue  to  march  forward  at  the  same  gait; 
the  other  files  halt   and   break  successively  by  fours  (or 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON.  87 

by  twos,)  according  to  the  principles  prescribed  for  break- 
ing from  a  halt. 

The  platoon  marching  in  line,  to  break  it  by  file,  the 
movement  is  executed  on  the  same  principles,  the  first  file 
only  continuing  to  march  forward. 

The  platoon  marching  at  the  trot,  it  is  broken  on  the 
same  principles,  the  first  files  continuing  to  march  at  the 
same  gait,  all  the  other  files  assume  the  walk  at  the  com- 
mand March,  and  resume  the  trot  as  they  break  from  the 
platoon. 


The  Platoon  Marching*  in  Column  by  Twos  or  by  Fours, 
to  Form  it  at  the  same  Gait. 

The  platoon  marching  in  column,  right  in  front,  the  in- 
structor commands : 

1.  Form  Platoon.    2.  March.    3.  Guide  right. 

The  movement  is  executed  as  prescribed  for  front  into 
line  from  a  halt. 

The  platoon  marching  in  column  at  the  trot,  right  in 
front,  the  instructor  commands  : 

1.  Form  Platoon.     2.  March.     3.   Guide  right. 

At  the  command  March,  the  two  (or  four)  first  files 
pass  to  the  loalk  ;  the  other  files  continue  to  march  at  the 
same  gait,  oblique  immediately  to  the  left,  march  straight 
forward  in  this  direction,  make  a  quarter  turn  to  the  right 
on  coming  opposite  the  place  they  are  to  occupy  in  the  pla- 
toon, and  pass  to  the  icalk  on  arriving  upon  the  alignment 
of  the  first. 

At  the  command  Guide  right,  they  dress  towards  the 
right. 

When  the  command  is  at  the  gallop,  the  platoon  is  formed 
on  the  same  principles.     The  two   (or  four)  first  files  take 


88  SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON. 

the  trot,  at  the  command  March  ;  the  other  files  continue 
to  march  at  the  gallop,  and  take  the  trot  on  arriving  upon 
the  alignment  of  the  first. 


The  Platoon  Marching  in  Line,  to  Break  it  by  Fours 
or  by  Twos,  in  Doubling  the  Gait. 

The  instructor  commands  : 

1.  By  fours  (or  by  twos) — trot.     2.  March.     3.   Guide 

left. 

At  the  command  March,  the  four  (or  two)  first  files  of 
the  right  take  the  trot ;  the  others  continue  to  march  at  the 
walk,  and  take  successively  the  trot  when  they  oblique  to 
the  right,  in  order  to  enter  the  column. 

The  platoon  marching  at  the  trot,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

1.  By  fours  (or  by  tioos) — gallop.  2.  March.  3.  Guide 
left. 

Which  is  executed  according  to  the  principles  prescribed 
for  marching  at  a  walk. 

The  Platoon  Marching  in  Column,  by  Twos  or  by  Fours, 
to  Form  it  in  Doubling  the  Gait. 

The  platoon  marching  in  column,  right  in  front,  the  in- 
structor commands  : 

1.  Form  platoon — trot.    2.  March.    3.  Guide  right. 

At  the  command  March,  the  two  (or  four)  first  files  con- 
tinue to  march  forward  at  the  same  gait;  the  other  files 
take  the  trot,  oblique  immediately  to  the  left,  march  in 
this  direction,  make  a  quarter-turn  to  the  right  on  coming 
opposite  the  place  they  are  to  occupy  in  the  platoon,  and 
pass  to  the  walk  on  arriving  upon  the  alignment  of  the 
first. 


SCHOOL   OF  THE   TLATOON.  89 

At  the  command  Guide  right,  they  dress  towards  the 
right. 

The  platoon  marching  in  column  at  the  trot,  the  right  in 
front;  the  instructor  commands  : 

1.  Form  platoon — gallop,    2.  March.'  3.  Guide  right* 

When  the  column  is  at  the  gallop,  the  platoon  is  always 
formed  at  the  same  gait. 

When  the  column  is  marching  by  file,  the  platoon  is 
formed  on  the  same  principles. 


Movements  by  Fours,  the  Platoon  being  in  Column  or 
in  Line. 

The  platoon  being  in  column,  right  in  front,  the  instruc- 
tor commands : 

1.  By  fours — left  (or  right)  wheel     2.  MARCH. 

Figure  62.  At  the 
command  March,  each 
rank  of  fours  executes 
its  wheel  to  thp  left,  ac- 
cording to  the  principles 
of  the  wheel  on  a  fixed 
pivot;  Nos.  four  turn 
Fig.  G2.  upon  themselves,  sustain- 

ing with  the  left  leg  the 
haunches  of  their  horses,  in  order  not  to  constrain  the 
movement  of  the  rank  immediately  behind  them ;  all  the 
troopers  regulate  themselves  towards  the  marching  flanks. 

The  movement  being  nearly  completed,   the  instructor 
'commands : 

1.  Halt.     2.  Right  (or  left.) — Dress.    3.  Front. 

At  the  command  Halt,  the  troopers  straighten  their 
horses  and  halt  with  steadiness. 


90  SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON. 

In  this  movement  the  front  and  rear  rank  execute  sepa- 
rately a  wheel  on  a  fixed  pivot.  Each  rank  of  fours  be- 
longing to  the  rear  rank  is  placed  at  the  side  of  the  rank 
of  fours,  composed  of  its  file-lenders.  When  the  move- 
ment is  terminated,  the  platoon  is  in  one  rank. 

The.  platoon  being  hi  one  rank,  it  is  put  again  in  column 
by  the  command : 

1.  By  fours  le.Jt  (or  right)  wheel     2.  MARCH. 

Then  the  troopers  of  the  rear  rank  are  placed  in  front 
of  their  file-leaders.  In  executing  again  two  icheels  to  the 
left  bv  fours,  the  platoon  is  put  in  its  natural  order. 

In  the  first  wheel  to  the  left  by  fours,  the  leading  rank 
of  fours  should-  execute  its  movements  slowly,  in  order  to 
give  the  others  time  to  execute  theirs;  but  in  the  second 
icheelto  the  left  by  fours,  the  last  rank  of  fours,  which  be- 
comes head  of  the  column,  should  execute  its  movement  in 
lengthening  a  little  the  gait,  so  as  not  to  retard  the  rear^of 
the  column. 

The  platoon  being  in  column,  and  having  executed  a 
wheel  by  fours  as  above  described,  to  face  it  in  the  opposite 
direction,  the  instructor  commands  : 

1.  By  fours  left-about  (or  right-about)  wheel.     2.   March. 

At  the  command  March,  each  rank  of  fours  ivheels  to 
the  left-about  on  the  principles  prescribed  for  the  ifhcel  to 
the  left  by  fours. 

To  halt,  after  having  wheeled  about,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

1.  Halt.     2.  Right  (or  left) — Dress.     3.  Front. 

To  put  the  platoon  again  in  column  in  the  natural  order, 
the  instructor   causes  to  be    executed    a  wheel  to  the  left 

'  °y  fours. 

When  the  column  is  marching,  the  movement  is  execu- 
ted as  prescribed,  observing  that,  at  the  command  March, 


SCHOOL    OF   THE    PLATOON.  91 

the  pivots  halt  immediately  and  turn  upon  themselves,  sup- 
porting with  the  left  leg  the  haunches  of  their  horses. 

The  movement  being  nearly  terminated,  the  instructor 
commands : 

1.  Forward.     2.   Guide  right  (or  left). 

At  the  first  command,  which  is  Forward,  the  pivots 
and  all  the  other  troopers,  conforming  to  the  principles 
of  the  direct  march,  regulate  themselves  towards  the 
guide. 

The  platoon  marching  in  column,  and  having  made  one 
wheel  to  the  left  by  fours,  which  puts  it  in  single  rank,  the 
instructor. causes  to  be  executed  a  wheel  to  the  left-about  (or 
to  the  right-about)  by  fours ;  the  movement  being  nearly 
terminated,  he  commands  : 

1.  Forward.     2.   Guide  right  (or  left). 

To  put  the  platoon  again  in  column  in  the  natural  order, 
the  instructor  causes  to  be  executed  a  wheel  to  the  left 
(or  to  the  right)  by  fours,  and  indicates  the  guide  to  the 
left. 

The  platoon  marching  in  column  by  fours,  right  in  front, 
to  cause  •  it  to  march  to  the  rear,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

1.  By  fours  left-about  (or  right  about)  wheel.     2.  Marcii. 
3.  Forward.     4.   Guide  right  (or  left). 

Which  is  executed  on  the  principles  prescribed  for  the 
same  movement  from  a  halt  observing  that  the  ranks  of 
fours  should  finish  the  movement  at  the  same  time ;  that 
they  should  commence  the  last  half  of  the  wheel  gently, 
regulating  themselves  upon  the  last  rank  of  fours,  which, 
becoming  the  head  of  the  column,  lengthens  the  gait  so  as 
not  to  retard  the  others.  After  this  movement,  the  troopers 
of  the  rear  rank  are  placed  in  front  of  their  file-leaders. 


92  SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON. 

To  put  the  column  again,  in  the  natural  order,  the  in- 
structor causes  to  be  executed  a  wheel  to  the  right-about  (or 
to  the  left-about)  by  fours. 

The  platoon  being  in  line,  to  cause  it  to  gain  ground 
towards  its  right  or  towards  its  left,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

1.  By  fours  right  (or  left)  wheel.    2.  March.  3.  Forward: 
4.    Guide  left  (or  right). 

The  platoon  having  wheeled  to  the  right  by  fours,  the 
troopers  are  formed  upon  a  front  of  eight.  Each  rank  of 
fours  having  executed  the  movement  separately,  the  four 
troopers  of  the  rear  rank  find  themselves  on  the  right  of 
the  four  troopers  of  the  front  rank. 

The  platoon  having  wheeled  to  the  right  (or  to  the  left)  by 
fours,  and  being  upon  a  front  of  eight,  to  change  the  direc- 
tion, the  instructor  commands  : 

Head  of  column  to  the  left  (or  to  the  right). 

At  this  command  the  assistant-instructor  commands : 

1.  Left  (or  right) — Turn.     2.  Forward. 

This  is  executed  as  prescribed,  each  rank  of  eight 
wheeling  upon  the  same  ground  with  the  first  as  they 
reach  it. 

To  put  the  platoon  again  in  line,  the  instructor  com- 
mands : 

1.  By  fours  left  (or  right)  wheel.     2.  March.     3.  Halt. 
4.  Right  (or  left) — Dress.     5.,  Front. 

The  platoon  having  u-heeled  to  the  right  (or  to  the  left) 
by  fours,  and  being  formed  upon  a  front  of  eight,  to  march 
to  the  rear  in  this  order,  the  instructor  causes  to  be  execu- 
ted a  wheel  to  the  right  or  left-about. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PLATOON.  93 

The  platoon  being  in  line,  to  cause  it 
to  march  to  the  rear,  the  instructor  coin-  rl) 

mands : 


./. 


3 


1.  By  fours  left-about  (or  right-about) 
it-heel  2.  March.  3.  Forward.  4. 
Guide  right  (or  left). 

Figure  63.  After  this  movement,  the 
rear  rank  is  before  the  front  rank,  and 
the  ranks  of  fours  are  inverted  through- 
out the  platoon.  In 

In  the  march  to  the  rear,  the  platoon  j  I  ' 
conforms. to  the  principles  of  the  direct  [IXiJjlHi'lJ 
march.  The  instructor  requires  the  same  M/W\(\/WUW\ 
precision  as  when  they  march  in  the  nat-  ni 

ural  order.  v 

The  platoon  is  faced  to  the  front  by  Fig.  G3. 

the  same  movement. 

To  Charge  by  Platoon. 

The  charge  wHl  be  practiced  by  file,  by  twos,  fours,  and 
sections,  before  the  charge  by  platoon. 

Two  troopers  being  stationed  at  two  hundred  paces  from 
the  line  to  mark  the  new  line. 

To  commence  the  move,  the  assistant-instructor  com- 
mands : 

1.  Platoon  forward.    2.  Guide  right  (or  left).     3.  March. 

When  the  platoon  has  marched  twenty  paces,  the  assis- 
tant-instructor commands : 

1.  Trot.    2.  MARcn. 

At  sixty  paces  farther,  he  commands : 

1.  Gallop.    2.  March. 


94  SCHOOL    OF   THE    PLATOON. 

At  eighty  paces  farther,  he  commands : 
Charge. 

At  this  command,  the  troopers  of  both  ranks  take  the 
position  of  Raise — Sabre.  They  give  hand  and  lengthen 
the  gallop,  without  losing  control  of  their  horses  or  dis- 
uniting. 

When  the  platoon  arrives  at  twenty  paces  from  the 
troopers  who  trace  the  new  line,  the  assistant-instructor 
commands  : 

1.  Attention.     2.  Platoon.     8.  Halt.     4.  Right  (or  left) — 
Dress.     5.  Front. 

At  the  command  Attention,  the  troopers  carry  the  sabre 
to  the  shoulder. 

At  the  command  Platoon,  they  take  the  trot. 

At  the  command  Halt,  they  stop. 

At  the  command  Right — Dress,  they  align  themselves 
to  the  right. 

At  the  command  Front,  turn  the  head  to  the  front. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON.  95 


jpj^ttrr  fipth. 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 


ARTICLE  FIRST. 

The  object  of  the  school  of  the  squadron  is  to  instruct 
the  platoons  to  execute  together  what  they  have  been 
taught  separately,  and  to  prepare  the  squadron  to  perform 
what  it  will  be  required  to  do  when  a  part  of  the  regiment. 

To  make  the  formations  in  line  better  understood,  they 
are  executed  at  first  from  a  halt.  In  this  case  each  platoon 
performs  its  movements  separately  and  successively,  at  the 
command  of  its  chief,  on  receiving  notice  from  the  captain 
commanding. 

Each  movement,  after  having  been  correctly  executed  by 
the  right,  is  repeated  by  the  left. 

When  the  squadron  has  acquired  calmness  and  confi- 
dence, and  one  article  is  well  understood,  this  article  is  re- 
peated with  sabres  drawn,  and  alternately  at  all  the  gaits, 
except  the  wheels  to  the  right,  to  the  left,  to  the  right-about, 
and  to  the  left-about  by  fours,  the  counter-march,  the  wheels 
on  a  moveable  pivot  by  squadron,  the  individual  oblique 
marches  when  marching  by  squadron,  which  are  executed 
only  at  the  walk  and  at  the  trot. 

The  second  captain  is  charged  with  the  alignment  of  the 
rear-rank  and  the  rank  of  file-closers ;  he  resumes  his  place 
in  line  at  the  command  Front. 

The  captain  commanding  moves  wherever  his  presence 


96  SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 

is  most  required ;  the  troopers  are  required  to  observe  abso- 
lute silence,  and  all  rectifications  are  done  by  signs,  or  in  a 
low  voice. 

The  squadron  being  formed  in  two  ranks  opened,  the  non- 
commissioned officers  and  troopers  at  the  head  of  their 
horses,  the  chiefs  of  platoons  mounted,  at  ten  paces  from, 
and  facing  the  centre  of  their  platoons,  the  captain  com- 
manding commands : 

1.  Attention.     2.  Bight — Dress.     3.  Front. 

He  then  commands : 

In  each  platoon — and  in  each  rank — Count  (by)  Fours 

At  this  command,  the  troopers  count  off  in  the  four  pla- 
toons at  once,  commencing  on  the  right  of  each  rank. 

The  captain  commanding  then  gives  the  command  to 
mount. 

At  the  command  Form — Ranks,  the  chiefs  of  platoons 
move  forward,  face  to  the  front  by  turning  to  the  right-about , 
and  place  themselves  before  the  centre  of  their  platoons, 
the  croup  of  their  horses  one  pace  from  the  head  of  the 
horses  of  the  front  rank.  The  file-closers  follow  the  rear 
rank. 

Successive  Alignment  of  Platoons  in  the  Squadron. 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  the  captain  commanding 
places  the  two  non-commissioned  officers,  principal  guides 
of  the  right  and  left,  upon  a  line  parallel  to  the  front  of  the 
squadron,  at  thirty  paces  from  the  particular  guides,  and 
facing  each  other  as  if  they  were  placed  on  intermediate 
points. 

On  receiving  notice  from  the  captain  commanding,  the 
chief  of  the  first  platoon  commands:  1.  Platoon  forward ; 
2.   Guide  right ;  3.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  platoon  moves  forward ; 
at  one  pace  from  the  point  which  marks  the  new  align- 
ment, the  chief  of  the  platoon  commands:  1.  Halt.  2. 
Right — Dress. 


SCHOOL   OF  THE   SQUADRON. 


97 


At  the  command  Halt,  the  chief  of  the  platoon  and  the 
particular  guide  of  the  right,  continue  to  march  on  and  es- 
tablish themselves  immediately,  the  latter  bringing  the  head 
of  his  horse  against  the  boot  of  the  principal  guide  of  the 
right. 

The  first  platoon  being  correctly  aligned,  the  first  captain 
commands  : 

1.  By  platoon — Right — Dress.     2.  Front. 


rg|s 


D- 


If    j'j     ^s    0go  <tyj     !  i       ^ 


E2> 


Fig.  64. 

Figure  64.  At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  second 
platoon  commands  :  1.  Platoon  forward :  2.  Guide  right : 
3.  March.  Having  arrived  abreast  of  the  file-closers  of  the 
platoon  which  forms  the  base  of  the  alignment,  he  com- 
mands:  1.  Halt:  2.  Right — Dress,  and  at  the  same 
time  moves  forward  on  the  line  of  the  chief  of  that  platoon. 

At  the  command  Halt,  the  platoon  stops.  At  the  com- 
mand Right — Dress,  all  the  troopers  move  forward  to- 
gether upon  the  alignment. 

Each  chief  of  platoon  executes  successively  tlie  same 
5 


98 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 


movement,  commanding  March  when   the  one  who  pre- 
cedes him  has  commanded  Halt. 

$  tThe  particular  guide  of  the  left,  at  the  command  Halt 
from  the  chief  of  the  fourth  platoon;  brings  up  the  head  of 


fl£ 


J     SWIi       Cl[jC     SQJI, 

•d~ — — ^ —— ^^nr^ 


Fig.  65. 

his  horse  against  the  boot  of  the  principal  guide  of  the  left. 
The  squadron  being  aligned,  the   captain    commanding 
commands :  Front. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON.  99 

This  alignment  being  correctly  executed,  it  is  repeated, 
giving  the  new  base  of  alignment  a  direction  oblique  to  the 
front  of  the  squadron.  For  this  purpose,  the  chief  of  the 
first  platoon,  on  receiving  notice  from  the  captain  command- 
ing, moves  his  platoon  twenty-four  paces  forward,  causes  it 
to  execute  a  half-wheel  to  the  right  at  the  commands:  1. 
Right  half — Wheel  ;  Forward  ;  and  after  marching  it 
six  paces  in  the  new  direction,  he  halts,  and  aligns  it. 

The  first  platoon  being  correctly  aligned,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  By  platoon — Right— DRESS.     2.  FRONT. 

Figure  65.  At  the  first  command,  the  movement  is 
executed  successively ;  each  chief  of  platoon  moves  straight 
forward,  and  commands  :  1.  Right  half- — Wheel:  2.  For- 
ward, so  that  his  platoon  may  execute  its  wheel  on  a  fixed 
pivot  at  the  moment  the  right  arrives  opposite  the  left  of 
the  platoon  which  precedes  it. 

The  squadron  being  aligned,  the  first  captain  commands : 
Front. 

Alignment  of  the  Squadron. 

The  captain  commanding,  after  having  placed  the  right 
particular  guide,  so  that  no  trooper  will  be  compelled  to 
rein  back,  commands : 

1.  Right — Dress.     2.  Front. 

At  the  command  Right — Dress,  all  the  troopers  align 
themselves  steadily  but  promptly  to  the  right. 

The  squadron  being  aligned,  the  first  captain  commands  : 
Front. 

To  open  and  Close  the  Ranks, 

To  open  the  ranks,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  Rear  rank  open  order.     2.  March.     3.  Rights  Dress. 
4.  Front. 

This  is  executed  as  described  in  the  School  of  the  Pla- 


100         SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

toon.  The  troopers  of  the  rear  rank  rein  back  six  paces;! 
and  the  chief's  of  platoon,  at  the  command  March,  move 
forward  six  paces,  and  face  the  centre  of  their  platoons  by 
turning  to  the  left-about. 

To  close  the  ranks,  the  first  captain  commands : 

1.  Rear  rank  dose  order.     2.  March.     3.  Right-*- -Dress. 
4.  Front. 

This  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the  Pla- 
toon.    The  chiefs  of  platoon  move  forward  at  the  command 
March,  face  to  the  front  by  a  turn  to  the  right-about,  and] 
place  themselves  opposite  the  centre  of  their  platoons. 

To  Break  the  Squadron  by  Fours. 
The  squadron  being  in  line,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  By  fours.     2.  March.     3.   Guide  left. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  places 
himself  in  front  of  the  four  files  of  the  right,  the  right  par- 
ticular guide  places  himself  on  his  right. 

At  the  command  March,  the  first  four  files  march 
straight  forward,  and  are  followed  by  all  the  other  files  who 
break  successively. 

The  chiefs  of  the  other  platoons  break  with  the  first  four 
files  of  their  platoons,  keeping  abreast  of  them  and  at  one 
pace  from  the  flank  of  the  column  on  the  side  of  the  guide, 
each  rank  of  fours  preserving  between  them  the  distance 
of  two  feet. 

On  arriving  upon  the  drill  ground,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands : 

1.   Column.     2.  Halt. 
Direct  March  in  Column  by  Fours. 

When  the  column  is  halted,  the  captain  commanding  as- 
sures himself  that  the  officers,  the  file  closers,  and  the  par- 
ticular guides,  are  placed  as  prescribed ;  then  he  commands  ; 

1.   Column  forward.     2.  March.     3.   Guide  left. 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         101 

The  column  having  marched  by  fours,  a  quarter  of  an 
hour  at  least,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  Trot.     2.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  troops  take  the  trot,  always 
taking  care  not  to  fret  their  horses,  and  to  calm  them 
should  they  become  restive. 

When  the  column  has  marched  about  one  thousand  paces 
at  the  trot,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.    Walk.     2.  March. 

Change  of  Direction. 

The  column  marching  in  column  by  fours,  right  in  front, 
to  change  the  direction,  the  first  captain  commands : 

Head  of  Column  to  the  left,  (or  to  the  right.') 

This  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the  Pla- 
toon, the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  conforming  to  what  is  in- 
dicated for  the  assistant  instructor. 

Individual  Oblique  March. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  fours,  right  in 
front,  to  cause  it  to  execute  the  individual  oblique  march, 
the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  Left  (or  right  oblique.)     2.  March. 

Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the 
Platoon. 

The  Squadron  Marching  in  Column  by  Fours,  to  Form 
it  to  the  Front,  to  the  Left,  or  on  Eight  into  Line. 

To  form  Front  into  Line. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  fours,  right  in 
front,  the  first  captain  commands  : 


102  SCHOOL   OF  THE   SQUADHON. 

fcrTHT'j""-"!,^-,-, -t ~u^-  -.-~r;  «=* 


W, 


i  i!  I   If* 


\  \  \  \ N 


i     !j    \\xA 

j  ji  \\m 


V«     \     \    \     \     \     \     \      \     \     ^ 

\  \  \  \  \  \  \  \  \  \  s 

\  \  \  v  \  \  \  \  \  \  m 
\  v  \  \  \  \  \   •;   \    s.^a; 

\  \  \  \  \  \  \  v   \  nCS 
\  \   \  \  \  \  \  \  \  gg 


v  \  \  \  v  \  v,  .  [vn 
\  vv   \  \  \  %>  vv   *£p?)  « 

\  \\\\.\\  mfa 

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\\W\tB 


m 


Fig.  G6. 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         103 


1.  Front  into  line.    2.  March.     3.  Right — Dress. 
4.  Front. 

Figure  66.  At  the  command  March,  the  four  first  files 
continue  to  inarch  straight  forward  j  when  they  have  march- 
ed thirty  paces,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  commands : 
Halt. 

At  this  command,  the  first  four  files  halt  square  to  the 
front,  the  particular  guide  of  the  right  returns  to  the  right 
of  the  squadron.  All  the  other  files  come  up  successively, 
and  without  the  commands  of,  the  chiefs  of  platoon,  form 
to  the  left,  and  upon  the  alignment  of  the  first. 

The  first  captain,  who  moves  to  the  right  flank  after  the 
command  March,  commands  the  alignment  when  the  chief 
of  the  first  platoon  commands  :  Halt. 

The  second  captain  moves  also  to  the  right  flank,  after 
the  command  March,  in  order  to  rectify  the  alignment  of 
the  rear  rank  and  of  the  file-closers. 

As  soon  as  the  chiefs  of  platoon  arrive  upon  the  line, 
they  place  themselves  at  the  centre  of  their  platoons  and 
align  themselves. 

The  particular  guide  of  the  left  returns  to  the  left  of  the 
squadron,  when  the  last  four  files  arrive  upon  the  line. 

The  first  captain  commands  Front  when  the  last  four 
files  are  aligned. 

To  Form  to  the  Left  into  Line. 

The  column  marching  right  in  front,  to  form  it  in  line  on 
its  left  flank,  the  first  captain  commands : 

1.  Left  into  line.  2.  March.  3.  Eight — Dress.  4.  Front. 

At  the  command  March,  the  four  leading  files  turn  to 
the  left  and  inarch*  straight  forward;  when  they  have 
marched  thirty  paces,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  com- 
mands :  Halt. 

At  this  command,  the  four  leading  files  halt,  and  the 


104  SCHOOL    OF   THE   SQUADRON. 

particular  guide  places  himself  on  the  right  of  the  squad- 
ron. All  the  other  files  come  up  successively,  and  without 
the  command  of  the  chiefs  of  platoon,  form  to  the  left  and 
on  the  alignment  of  the  first,  observing  to  keep  in  the  same 
direction,  before  turning  to  the  left,  so  as  not  to  approach 
the  new  line  until  the  proper  time. 

The  first  and  second  captains,  the  chiefs  of  platoons,  and 
the  particular  guide  of  the  left,  conform  exactly  to  what  is 
prescribed  for  the  front  into  tine. 

To  Form  on  the  Right  into  Line. 

The  column  marching  right  in  front,  to  form  line  upon 
the  prolongation,  and  in  advance  of  its  right  flank,  the  first 
captain  commands : 

1.  On  right  into  line.     2.  March.     8.  Right — Dress. 
4.  Front. 

At  the  command  March,  the  four  leading  files  turn  to 
the  right,  and  march  straight  forward ;  when  they  have 
marched  thirty  paces,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  com- 
mands :  Halt. 

At  this  command,  the  four  leading  files  halt,  and  the 
right  particular  guide  takes  his  place  on  the  right  of  the 
squadron.  All  the  other  files  continue  to  march  forward, 
and  come  up  successively  without  the  commands  of  the 
chiefs  of  platoon,  forming  to  the  left  and  upon  the  align- 
ment of  the  first,  observing  to  keep  themselves  square  in 
the  same  direction  before  turning  to  the  right,  so  as  not  to 
approach  the  new  line  before  the  proper  time. 

The  first  and  second  captains,  the  chiefs  of  platoon,  and 
the  left  particular  guide,  conform  exactly  to  what  is  pre- 
scribed for  the  front  into  tine. 


SCHOOL    OF   THE   SQUADRON. 


105 


ARTICLE  SECOND. 

The  Squadron  being  in  Line,  to  Form  it  in  Column 
with  distance. 


c^ 


V"'  A /' /V'  /V-A  A^A^v V 


■>  7  r~/  t'vW^.1- .  :>\j  i  'n,  ;  j\i  >w  A/-  a, 


slZla 


Fig.  67. 


€* 


The  first  captain  commands  : 


1.  Platoons  r\gld-v:liceJ.     2.  March.     3.  Halt. 

Figure  67.  At  the  first  command,  the  left  file  of  each 
platoon  prepares  to  step  off  promptly,  and  the  pivot  to  turn 
upon  its  own  ground. 

At  the  command  March,  each  platoon  executes  its  wheel 
to  the  right,  following  the  principles  of  the  wheel  on  a  fix- 
ed pivot,  the  marching  flanks  taking  care  to  step  off  and 
wheel  together. 

At  the  command  Halt,  the  marching  flanks  and  all  the 
troopers  halt  at  the  same  instant,  those  of  the  rear  rank  re- 
suming their  places  behind  their  file-leaders. 

The  first  captain  commands  Halt,  when  the  platoons 
have  nearly  completed  the  wheels. 

To  March  in  Column  with  Distance. 

The  squadron  being  in  open  column,  right  in  front,  the 
first  captain  commands : 

1.  Column  forward.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  left. 


106 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 


At  the  command  March,  all  the  platoons  put  themselves 
in  motion  at  the  same  time. 

Before  the  column  commences  the  march,  the  first  cap- 
tain gives  the  guide  of  the  first  platoon  a  point  of  direction ; 
this  non-commissioned  officer  selects  intermediate  points,  so 
as  to  be  sure  of  marching  straight.  The  fixed  object  being 
given  to  the  guide  of  the  first  platoon,  is  also  pointed  out 
to  the  guide  of  the  second. 

Changes  of  Direction  by  successive  Wheels. 

In  the  open  column, 
the  changes  of  direction 
are  executed  by  succes- 
sive wheels  on  a  movea- 
ble pivot,   so   that   the 
march   of    the    column 
may  not  be  retarded.      The  arc  of  cir- 
cle described  by  the  pivots  should  be  of 
five  paces. 

The  column  being  in  march,  to  change 
the  direction,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands : 

Head  of  column  to  the  right  or  half- 
right,  for  to  the  left  or  half-left.) 
Fig.  68.  J     ; 

Figure  68.  At  this  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  pla- 
toon commands  :  1.  Right— Turn.  2.  Forward  ;  which 
is  executed  on  the  principles  of  the  wheel  upon  a  moveable 
pivot. 

Each  chief  of  platoon  gives  the  same  commands  succes- 
sively, so  that  his  platoon  may  turn  upon  the  same  ground. 
In  this  change  of  direction  while  marching,  the  princi- 
pal guide  of  the  right,  at  the  command  head  of  column  to 
the  right,  moves  rapidly  to  the  side  of  the  pivot,  and  places 
himself  so  that  the  head  of  his  horse  will  mark  the  centre 
point  of  the  arc  described  by  the  pivot. 

All  the  platoons  commence  their  wheel  at  two  and  a  half 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         107 

paces  before  arriving  abreast  of  the  bead  of  the  horse  of 
the  principal  guide  of  the  right,  so  as  to  prevent  the  column 
from  being  thrown  out.  This  non-commissioned  officer  re- 
sumes his  place  when  the  last  platoon  has  completed  its 
wheel. 

Immediately  after  having  changed  the  direction  of  the 
column,  the  first  captain  gives  a  new  point  of  direction  to 
the  guide  of  the  first  platoon. 

Individual  Oblique  March. 

t,^  The  squadron  marching  in  col- 

umn, with  distance,  right  in  front, 
to  cause  it  to  gain  ground  towards 
one  of  its  flanks,  without  changing 
the  front  of  the  column,  the  first 
captain  commands : 

1.  Right  (or  left)  oblique.     2. 
March. 

Figure  69.  Which  is  executed 
at  the  same  time,  in  each  platoon, 
as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the 
Platoon. 

The  guides  of  the  last  three  pla- 
toons pay  attention  to  march  on  the 
same  line,  to  preserve  their  dis- 
tances, and  to  keep  in  a  direction 
exactly  parallel  to  that  of  the  guide 
of  the  first  platoon. 
To  resume  the  primitive  direction,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands : 

Forward. 

Which  is  executed  at  the  same  time,  in  each  platoon,  as 
prescribed  in  the  School  of  the  Platoon. 

When  the  oblique  march  is  executed  towards  the  side  op- 
posite to  the  guide,  the  file-closers  preserve  their  places  not- 
withstanding the  change  of  guide. 


108        SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

Change  of  Gait,  being  in  Column  with  Distance. 

The  column  is  made  to  pass  from  the  ivalk  to  the  trot, 
and  from  the  trot  to  the  walk,  and  when  the  platoons  exe- 
cute these  changes  of  gait  with  uniformity  and  steadiness, 
the  column  is  made  to  commence  the  march  at  a  trot,  and 
to  halt  while  marching  at  the  trot. 

To  Break  by  Fours,  by  Twos,  and  by  File;  to  Form  Twos, 
Fours,  and  Platoons  at  the  same  Gait. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  with  distance,  right 
in  front,  to  break  by  fours  at  the  same  gait,  the  first  cap- 
tain commands : 

1.  By  fours.     2.  March.     3.   Guide  left. 

At  the  first  command,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the  first 
platoon,  this  officer  places  himself  in  front  of  the  first  four 
files,  and  the  particular  guide  of  the  right  places  himself 
on  his  right. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the 
first  platoon,  this  platoon  breaks  by  fours,  as  prescribed  in 
the  School  of  the  Platoon,  and  the  chiefs  of  the  last  three 
platoons  command  Halt. 

The  chief  of  the  second  platoon,  and  successively  those 
of  the  third  and  fourth  command  by  fours,  in  sufficient 
time  to  command  March,  the  moment  the  last  four  files  of 
the  preceding  platoon  commence  their  oblique  movement  in 
order  to  enter  the  column. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  fours,  right  in 
front,  to  break  by  twos,  at  the  same  gait,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

3 .  By  twos.     2.  March.     3.   Guide  left. 

The  chiefs  of  platoon  conform  to  what  is  prescribed  in 
order  to  break  by  fours,  and  give  the  commands :  Halt, 
and  then  1.  By  twos ;  2.  March,  so  as  to  cause  no  confu- 
sion in  the  column. 


•      SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON.  109 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  twos,  right  in 
front,  to  break  by  file  at  the  same  gait,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  By  file.     2.  March. 

Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the  Pla- 
toon, the  particular  guide  of  the  right  placing  himself  be- 
hind the  chief  of  the  first  platoon. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  with  distance,  at  the 
trot,  right  in  front,  to  break  by  fours,  at  the  same  gait,  the 
first  captain  commands  : 

1.  By  fours.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  left. 

At  the  first  command,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the 
first  platoon,  this  officer,  and  the  particular  guide  of  the 
right,  place  themselves  as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the 
Platoon,  and  the  chiefs  of  the  last  three  platoons  command: 
Walk. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  all  the  chiefs  of 
platoon,  the  first  platoon  breaks  by  fours,  and  the  last  three 
platoons  take  the  walk. 

The  chief  of  the  second  platoon,  and  successively  those 
of  the  third  and  fourth,  command  By  fours — trot,  in  suffi- 
cient time  to  command  March,  when  the  last  four  files  of 
the  preceding  platoon  commence  their  oblique  movement 
in  order  to  enter  the  column. 

The  same  principles  are  applicable  to  breaking  by  twos 
and  by  file. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  gallop ,  these  movements  are 
executed  on  the  principles  just  prescribed,  the  whole  col- 
umn except  the  first  four  files  passing  to  the  trot  and  resu- 
ming successively  the  gallop,  as  the  files  break  in  order  to 
enter  the  column. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  file,  right  in  front, 
to  form  twos  at  the  same  gait,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  Form  twos.     2.  March. 
At  the  command  Form  twos  and  March,  successively 
repeated  by  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon,  this  platoon  exe- 


110  SCHOOL   OF    THE   SQUADRON. 

cutcs  its  movement :  the  particular  guide  of  the  right  moves 
to  the  right  of  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon,  who  com- 
mands Halt,  after  having  marched  ten  paces. 

The  three  other  platoons  continue  to  march  by  file,  and 
execute  successively  their  formation  at  the  commands  of 
their  chiefs,  who  do  not  command  March  until  the  first 
files  of  their  platoons  arrive  at  their  proper  distance. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  twos,  right  in 
front,  to  form  fours,  at  the  same  gait,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands : 

1.  Form  fours.      2.  March. 

Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  to  form  twos. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  fours,  right  in 
front,  to  form  platoon  at  the  same  gait,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  Form  platoons.     2.  March. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  com- 
mands: Form  platoon. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the 
first  platoon,  the  particular  guide  of  the  right  places  him- 
self on  the  right  of  this  platoon,  which  forms  as  prescribed ; 
the  chief  of  the  platoon  commands  Halt,  after  having 
marched  twenty  paces. 

The  other  platoons  continue  to  march  in  column  by  fours, 
and  form  successively  at  the  commands  :  1.  Form  "platoon  ; 
2.  March,  given  by  their  chiefs  in  sufficient  time  to  com- 
mand Halt,  when  the  first  four  files  of  their  platoon  arrive 
at  six  paces  from  the  platoon  which  precedes. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  trot,  the  same  principles  are 
conformed  to,  except  that  instead  of  halting,  the  first  two 
or  four  files  of  the  first  platoon  pass  to  the  walk,  at  the 
command  March  given  by  their  chief.  The  other  platoons 
continue  to  march  at  the  trot,  and  execute  their  movement 
at  the  same  gait,  the  first  two  or  four  files  of  each  platoon 
passing  also  to  the  ivalk,  at  the  command  March  given  by 
their  chiefs,  when  they  arrive  at  their  proper  distance. 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         Ill 

When  the  column  is  at  the  gallop,  to  form  twos,  fours, 
etc.,  the  same  principles  are  observed,  the  first  two  or  four 
files  of  each  platoon  passing  to  the  trot  at  the  command 
March,  given  by  their  chief. 

When  these  formations  are  executed  at  the  trot,  and  at 
the  gallop,  the  guide  is  announced  by  the  first  captain  as 
soon  as  the  first  files  have  doubled,  or  the  first  platoon  is 
formed;  in  the  last  ease  only,  eaoh  clrief  of  platoon  re- 
peats the  command  of  the  guide  as  soon  as  his  platoon  is 
formed. 

To  Break  by  Fours,  by  Twos,  and  by  File ;  to  Form  Twos, 
Fours,  and  Platoons,  in  Doubling  the  Gait. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  with  distance,  right 
in  front,  to  break  by  fours,  in  doubling  the  gait,  the  first 
captain  commands : 

1.  By  fours — trot.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  left. 

At  the  first  command,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the  first 
platoon,  this  officer  places  himself  in  front  of  the  first  four 
files,  and  the  particular  guide  of  the  right  on  his  right. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the 
first  platoon,  the  first  four  files  take  the  trot,  the  others  take 
the  trot  when  they  oblique  to  enter  the  column. 

The  other  platoons  continue  to  march  at  the  walk  ;  their 
chiefs  command  successively  by  fours — trot,  in  sufficient 
time  to  command  March,  the  moment  the  last  four  files  of 
the  preceding  platoon  commence  their  oblique  movement  in 
order  to  enter  the  column. 

These  principles  are  applicable  to  breaking  by  twos  and 
by  file. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  trot,  to  break  at  the  gallop, 
the  same  principles  are  observed,  at  the  commands :  1.  By 
fours^-gallop ;  2.  March:  3.  Guide  left. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  gallop,  these  movements  are 
always  executed  at  the  same  gait. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  file,  to  form  twos, 
in  doubling  the  gait,  the  first  captain  commands : 


112         SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

1.  Form  twos — trot.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  left. 

At  the  command  form  twos,  trot,  and  March,  succes- 
sively repeated  by  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon,  this  platoon 
executes  its  movement  as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the 
Platoon,  and  the  particular  guide  of  the  right  moves  to  the 
right  of  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chiefs  of  the  last  three  pla- 
toons command :  trot.  At  the  command  March,  repeated 
by  them,  the  last  three  platoons  take  the  trot. 

The  chief  of  the  second  platoon,  and  successively  those 
of  the  third  and  fourth,  command  :  Form  twos,  in  sufficient 
time  to  command  March,  the  moment  the  first  file  of  their 
platoons  is  nearly  at  its  proper  distance;  the  first  file  then 
passes  to  the  walk. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  twos,  to  form  fours, 
in  doubling  the  gait,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  Form  fours — trot.     2.  March.     3.   Guide  left. 

Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  order  to  form  twos. 
The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  fours,  to  form  pla- 
toon, in  doubling  the  gait,  the  first  captain  commands : 

1.  Form  platoons — trot.     2.  March.     3.   Guide  left. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  com- 
mands:  Form 'platoon — trot. 

The  chiefs  of  the  last  three  platoons  command  trot. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  these  officers,  the 
first  platoon  forms  as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the  Pla- 
toon, and  the  particular  guide  of  the  right  places  himself 
on  the  right  of  this  platoon. 

The  last  three  platoons  take  the  trot,  and  form  succes- 
sively at  the  command  Form  platoon,  given  by  their 
chiefs  in  sufficient  time  to  command  March,  when  the 
first  four  files  arrive  at  their  proper  distance  from  the  pla- 
toon which  precedes  them  j  then  these  first  four  files  take 
the  walk. 


SCHOOL    OF   THE    SQUADRON. 


11; 


The  first  captain  commands  guide  Ir/t  when  the  first  pla- 
toon is  formed,  and  gives  a  point  of  direction. 

Each  chief  of  platoon  repeats  successively  the  command 
of  the  guide  as  soon  as  his  platoon  is  formed. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  (rot,  these  formations  are  ex- 
ecuted at  the  gallop,  following  the  same  principles,  at  the 
commands  :  1.  Form  twos,  or  form  Jours,  or  form  platoons — 
gallop-,  2.  March. 

The  Squadron  Marching  in  Column  with  Distance,  to 

Face  it  in  the  Opposite  Direction,  and  to  Face  it 

Again  to  the  Front. 

The  squadron  marching  in  open  column,  right  in  front, 
the  first  captain  commands: 

1.  Platoons  left-ahout  wheel     2.  March. 

Figure  TO.  At  the  first  command,  the  trooper  on  the  left 
of  each  platoon,  who  becomes  the  pivot,  prepares  to  halt, 
without,  however,  slackening  his  pace. 


cr 

<E3 


Fig.  70. 

At  the   command    March,  the   pivots    halt,  and    the 
marching  flanks  wheel    at  the  gait  in  which  the  column 


114         SCHOOL  OP  THE  SQUADRON. 

•was  marching,  regulating  themselves  upon  the  outer  flank 
of  the  platoon  at  the  head  of  the  column,  so  as  to  complete 
the  first  half  of  the  movement  at  the  same  instant. 

The  marching  flanks  are  then  governed  by  the  platoon, 
which  becomes  the  head  of  the  column  after  the  movement 
is  completed. 

The  movement  being  nearly  finished,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  Forward.     2.   Guide  right. 

During  this  movement,  the  particular  guide  of  the 
left  places  himself  on  the  left  of  the  fourth  platoon;  the 
particular  guide  of  the  right  takes  his  place  as  file-closer  in 
rear  of  the  second  file  from  the  right  of  the  first  platoon, 
and  the  other  file- closers  pass  to  the  side  opposite  to  the 
guide. 

To  cause  the  squadron  to  resume  its  primitive  direction, 
the  first  captain  commands:  1.  Platoons  right-about  xchecl) 
2.  March;  3.  Forward;  4.   Guide  left. 

To  Halt  the  Column. 

The  column  being  on  the  march,  to  halt  it,  the  first  cap- 
tain commands : 

1.   Column.     2.  Halt. 

At  the  first  command,  all  the  platoons  prepare  to  halt. 

At  the  command  Halt,  all  the  platoons  halt  at  the  same 
time. 

To  Form  Line  on  the  Left. 

The  squadron  being  in  column  with  distance,  right  in 
front,  to  form  it  in  line  on  its  left  flank,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  Left  into  line  wheel.  2.  March.  3.  Halt.  4.  Right — 
Dress.  5.  Front. 
Figure  71.  At  the  first  command,  the  particular  guide 
of  the  right  moves  upon  the  prolongation  of  the  direc-^ 
tion  of  the  guides  of  the  column,  at  the  distance  of  the 
front  of  a  platoon,  facing  the  side  towards  which  the  line 
will  be  formed. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE    SQUADRON. 


115 


At  the  command  March,  the  squadron  wheel  into  line, 
the  trooper  on  the  left  wing  of  each  platoon  serving  as  pivot, 
and  turning  upon  his  own  ground. 

The  first  captain  commands  Halt,  the  moment  the 
marching  flanks  have  nearly  completed  their  movement, 
and  then  Right — Dress. 

At  this  command,  all  the  platoons  align  themselves. 

The  squadron  being  aligned,  the  first  captain  commands 
Front. 

During  the  wheel,  the  particular  guide  of  the  left  re- 
sumes his  place  in  line. 

The  first  captain,  after  having  commanded  left  into  line 
wheel,  assures  himself,  before  commanding  March,  that  the 
particular  guide  of  the  right  is  exactly  upon  the  direction 
of  the  guides  of  the  column. 

Immediately  after  commanding  halt,  he  moves  rapidly 
to  the  right  flank  of  the  squadron,  to  observe  that  the  pivots 
execute  their  movements  properly,  and  that  the  officers  and 
troopers  align  themselves  correctly. 

The  particular  guide,  who  moves  upon  the  prolongation 
of  the  guides  of  the  column,  should  take  rather  too  much 


ground  than  not 


enousrh.     The  conductor  of  the  marching 


flank  of  the  leading  platoon  should  align  himself  upon  his 
guide,  without  endeavoring  to  approach  him. 

To  Break  by  the  Right  to  March  to  the  Left. 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  the  first  captain  commands : 

1.  Platoons  break  by  the  right — 4o  march  to  the  left,     2" 
March. 


116 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 


Figure  72.     At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the 
platoon  commands:  1.  Platoon  forward.     2.  Guide  left. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  th 
first  platoon,  this  platoon  marches   ten  paces  to  the  front 
turns  to  the  left,  and  moves  forward  at  the  commands  :     1. 
jjefi — Turn.    2.  Forward. 

The  chief  of  the  second  platoon,  and  successively  those 
of  the  third  and  fourth,  command  :  1.  Platoon  forward .  2. 
Guide  left;  when  the  chief  of  the  platoon  on  their  right 
commands  March  j  and  they  command  March,  when  the 


.  gSid  cjfc    sfs     j  i    &$      ! 

xnfi — ^— 

^AV\   V\  ^/'/V WvA'VWVVv    v^vn/V  /vV\     ^A'VVVVV 

L — ■ — 

1     __ — ~  d         . |!  ____ r  1 

ff& 


aa 


c?0 

Fig.  72. 

chief  of  that  platoon,  after  having  turned  to  the  left,  com- 
mands :  Forward. 


To  Form  Line  to  the  Eight  by  Inversion. 

The  squadron  marching  in  open   column,  right  in  front, 
upon   its  right  flank  by  inversion,  the 


to  form  it  into  line 
first  captain  changes 
mands : 


the  guide;  for  this  purpose,  he  com- 

Guide  right. 

The  second  captain  passes  by  the  rear  of  the  column  to 
the  side  opposite  to  the  guides;  the  first  captain  passes  by 
the  head  of  the  column  to  the  side  of  the  new  guides,  rec- 
tifies their  direction,  then  halts  the  column,  and  commands: 


SCHOOL   OF   THE  SQUADRON. 


117 


1    By  inversion  right  into  line  wheel    2.  MARCH.    3.  Halt. 
4.  Left— Dress.     5.  Front. 

During  the  movement,  the  particular  guide  of  the  left 
places  himself  on  the  right  of  the  fourth  platoon,  and  the 
particular  guide  of  the  right,  who  moves  on  the  prolonga- 
tion of  the  new  guides  of  the  column,  remains  on  the  lett 
of  the  first  platoon.  m        •„ 

To  put  the  squadron  again  in  column,  right  in  iront,  the 
first  captain  commands:    1.  Platoons  left  wheel    %  MARCH. 
3.  Halt  (or  Forward).     4.  Guide  left. 
To  Break  to  the  Rear  by  the  Right  to  March  to  the  I-eft. 


5  jijj 

i  v  j  i  . 


,  *j./^,\  j 


-   VA/W1    '."y." 


is 


4 


The    squadron    being    in        Jk 
line,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands :  -UU--- 

1.  Platoons  hreak  by  the  right  to  the  rear — to  march  to  the 
left.     2.  March. 
Figure  73.     At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  first 
platoon  commands  :  Platoon  right-about  wheel 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the 
first  platoon,  this  platoon  executes  its  wheel  to  the  right- 
about ;  when  nearly  terminated,  its  chief  commands  :  1. 
Forward;  2.  Guide  left ;  and  after  marching  ten  paces 
straight  forward,  he  commands:  1.  Right — Turn;  2.  For- 
ward. 

The  chief  of  the  second  platoon,  and  successively  those 
of   the  third  and  fourth   commands:  Platoon  right-about 


118 


SCHOOL    OF   THE   SQUADRON. 


wheel,  when  the  chief  of  the  platoon  on  their  right  com- 
mands March,  and  they  command  March,  when  that  pla- 
toon has  passed  over  three-fourths  of  its  first  wheel, 

To  Form  on  Right  into  tine. 

lift 


<:fic 


•sfii 


' .".; 


figy-a 


A     4 


The  squadron  marching  in  col- 
umn with  distance,  right  in  front, 
to  form  it  in  line  on  the  prolonga- 
tion and  in  advance  of  its  right 
flank,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.   On  right  into  line.     %  MARCH. 
3.  Guide  right.     4.  Frojst. 

Figure  74.  At  the  first  com- 
mand, the  chief  of  the  first  platoon 
commands:  Right. 

At   the   command   March,   he 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         119 

commands  Turn  ;  the  platoon  turns  to  the  right  and  moves 
forward  at  the  command  Forward;  when  it  has  marched 
thirty  paces,  its  chief  commands :  Halt,  and  then  Right — 
Dress. 

The  other  platoons  continue  to  march  forward,  without 
approaching  the  line ;  as  soon  as  each  one  arrives  abreast 
of  the  fourth  file  from  the  left  of  the  platoon  which  should 
be  on  its  right,  its  chief  commands  :  1.  Right — Turn  ;  2. 
Forward  ;  this  platoon  then  directs  itself  towards  the 
place  it  is  to  occupy  in  line,  and  on  arriving  abreast  of  the 
file-closers,  its  chief  commands :  Halt,  and  then  Right — 
Dress. 

The  squadron  being  aligned,  the  first  captain  commands : 
Front. 

To  Form  on  !Left  into  lane  by  Inversion. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  with  distance,  right  in 
front,  to  form  it  in  line,  upon  the  prolongation  and  in  ad- 
vance of  its  left  flank,  the  captain  commands : 

1.  By  inversion  on  left  into  line.     2.  March.     3.    Guide 
left.     4.  Front. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  com- 
mands :  Left. 

At  the  command  March,  he  commands  :  Turn  ;  the  pla- 
toon turns  to  the  left,  and  moves  forward  at  the  command 
Forward;  when  it  has  marched  thirty  paces,  its  chief 
commands  :  Halt,  and  then  Left — Dress. 

The  other  platoons  continue  to  march  forward,  without 
approaching  the  line;  as  each  platoon  arrives  abreast  of  the 
fourth  file  from  the  right  of  the  platoon  which  should  be  on 
its  left,  its  chief  commands  :  1.  Left — Turn  ;  2.  For- 
ward ;  this  platoon  directs  itself  towards  the  place  it  is  to 
occupy  in  line,  and  on  arriving  abreast  of  the  file-closers, 
its  chief  commands  :  Halt,  and  then  Left — Dress. 

The  squadron  being  aligned,  the  first  captain  commands  : 
Front. 


120         SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

To  Break  by   Platoons  to  the  Front 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  the 
first  captain  commands : 

1.  By  Platoons  to  the  front. 

2.  March. 

3.    Guide  left. 

Figure   75.      At   the   first   com- 
mand, the  chief  of  the  first  platoon   c^ 
commands :    Platoon  forward,    and 
the  chiefs  of  the  other   three   pla- 
toons :  Platoon  right  half  wheel 


-''V  i\    y     /i 

,  A         s      .*&*    \>r*//\ 
/  m  \  /    ?Wk$U   4^    !    0    i 


Fig.  75. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  these  officers,  the 
first  platoon  moves  forward  ;  its  chief  repeats  the  indication 
of  the  guide. 

Each  of  the  other  chiefs  of  platoon,  when  their  half- 
wheel  to  t\&  right  is  executed,  commands :  1.  Forward; 
2.  Guide  left,  and  then  marches  straight  forward.  When 
the  left   of    his   platoon   arrives   in  the  direction  of  the 


SCHOOL    OF    THE    SQUADRON. 


121 


platoon  which  precedes,  he  commands  :  1.  Left  half -wheel ; 
2.  March;  3.  Forward,  in  order  to  enter  the  column. 

The  first  captain  does  not  announce  the  guide  until  the 
first  platoon  has  broken  to  the  front  ;  and  he  gives  the 
guide  a  point  of  direction. 


To  Form  Front  Into  Line. 
lj  &:&  jr.  4 


Fig.  7< 


122        SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

The  squadron  being  in  column  with  distance,  right  in 
front,  to  form  it  in  line  upon  the  head  of  the  column,  the 
first  captain  commands : 

1.  Front  into  line.    2.  March.    3.  Guide  right.   4.  Front. 

Figure  76.  At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  first 
platoon  commands :  Platoon  forward,  and  the  chiefs  of  the 
three  other  platoons  command  :  Platoon  left  half  wheel. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  these  ofiicers,  the 
first  platoon  moves  forward  )  its  chief  repeats  the  indication 
of  the  guide,  and  when  it  has  marched  thirty  paces,  he 
commands : 

1.  Halt.    2.  Right — Dress. 

The  squadron  being  aligned,  the  first  captain  commands : 
Front. 

This  formation  is  executed  in  the  same  manner,  when 
the  column  is  on  the  march ;  in  this  case,  the  chief  of  the 
first  platoon,  continuing  to  march  on,  does  not  command 
platoon  forward,  nor  March,  but  repeats  the  indication  of 
the  guide. 

To  Break  by  Platoons  to  the  Right,  and  to  Move  For- 
ward after  the  Wheel. 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  the  first  captain  commands : 

1.  Platoons  right  icheel     2.  March.    3.  Forward. 
4.    Guide  left. 

At  the  first  command,  the  left  file  of  each  platoon  pre- 
pares to  step  off  promptly,  and  the  pivot  to  turn  upon  itself. 

At  the  command  March,  each  platoon  executes  its  wheel 
to  the  right,  following  the  principles  of  the  wheel  on  a  fixed 
pivot. 

At  the  third  command,  the  platoons  march  straight  for- 
ward. 

The  first  captain  commands  Forward,  when  the  wheels 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         123 

are  nearly  completed,  and  gives  a  point  of  direction  to  the 
guide  of  the  column  ;  he  observes  that  the  marching  flanks 
step  off  at  the  same  instant,  wheel  and  arrive  together  in 
column,  and  that  the  pivots  commence  the  march  together 
at  the  command  Forward. 

To  Form  Line  to  the  Front  by  Inversion. 

The  squadron  being  in  open  column,  right  in  front,  to 
form  line  by  inversion  upon  the  head  of  the  column,  the 
first  captain  commands : 

1.  By  inversion  front  into  line.     2.  March.    8.  Guide  left. 
4.  Front. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  com- 
mands :  Platoon  forward ;  and  the  three  other  chiefs  of 
platoon  command  :  Platoon  right  half  wheel. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  these  -officers,  the 
movement  is  executed. 


To  Break  by  Platoons  to  the  Right,  Head  of  Column  to 
the  Left  or  Half  Left. 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  the  first  captain  commands:: 

1.  Platoons  right-wheel — head  of  column  to  the  left  or  half 
left,    2.  March.    3.  Forward.    4.  Guide  left. 

At  the  command  March,  each  platoon  executes  its  wheel 
to  the  right. 

At  the  third  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  platooa 
commands : 

1.  Left — Turn.     2.  Forward. 

The  other  platoons  move  on  and  turn  successively  at  the 
command  of  their  chiefs,  on  the  ground  upon  which  the 
first  had  turned. 

The  first  captain  commands  Forward,  when  the  wheels 
are  nearly  completed,  and  gives  a  point  of  direction. 


124 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON, 


To  Form  tine  Faced  to  the  Rear, on  the  Rear  of  the  Column* 


"X 


•N. 


*m  \ 


The  squadron  being 
in  coiunm  with  distance, 

right  in  front,  to  form  /  XAjvYwvvvvvyA 

line  faced  to   the  rear,  /  ^/feCvv^^T 

the   first   captain  com-        /  /  /  [Es==-!Es£j 

maDd8:  /      />\     «fc>*\ 

/  /    /  .^-Jl— ^T      -1 

/  /     /  /%/'       [r~~~~~"~~T~JK\ 

/  /'        //*  sfr  \      eft 


^j-J  M^WAfA 


;VA  ^>v\a:vn/\/\ 


V"SV_ 


f ! 


^H      B 


*SH?  C3 


Fig.  77. 


1.  Platoons  Jeft-about  wheel     2.   MARCH.     3.  .F/wi*  into 
Zme.     4.  March.     5.  GWtfe  fe/l.     6.  Front. 
Figure  77.     At  the  second  command,  each  platoon  exe- 
cutes its  wheel  to  the  kft-ahmit \ 


SCHOOL  OV   THE  SQUADRON.         125 

At  the  fourth  command,  the  chief  of  the  fourth  platoon, 
which  becomes  the  head  of  the  column,  when  its  wheel  is 
nearly  completed,  commands  :  1.  Forward;  2.  Guide  left; 
and  when  it  has  marched  thirty  paces,  1.  Halt;  2.  Left — 
Dress. 

The  chiefs  of  the  other  platoons,  on  completing  three- 
fourths  of  their  wheel,  command:  1.  Forward;  2.  Guide 
left ;  and  direct  themselves  towards  the  place  they  are  to 
occupy  in  line,  conforming  in  other  respects  to  what  is  pre- 
scribed for  Jroiit  into  line,  when  the  column  has  its  left  in 
ront. 

The  first  captain  commands  front  into  line,  in  sufficient 
time  to  command  March,  and  guide  left,  when  the  platoons 
have  completed  three-fourths  of  their  wheel. 

To  Form  lane  Faced  to  the  Rear,  by  Inversion  on  the  Rear 
of  the  Column. 

The  squadron  being  in  column  with  distance,  right  in 
front,  and  obstacles  are  presented  upon  its  left  flank,  to  form 
line  faced  to  the  rear,  the  first  captain  commands : 

1.  Platoons  right-ahout  wheel.    2.  March.     3.  By  inversion 
ront  into  line.  4.  March.    5.  Guide  right.    6.  FRONT. 

At  the  second  command,  each  platoon  executes  its  wheel 
to  the  right-about. 

At  the  fourth  command,  the  chief  of  the  fourth  platoon, 
which  becomes  the  head  of  the  column,  when  its  wheel  is 
nearly  completed,  commands:  1.  Forward;  2.  Guide 
right ;  and  when  it  has  marched  thirty  paces,  1.  Halt;  2. 
Right — Dress. 

•  The  chiefs  of  the  platoons,  at  three-fourths  of  the  wheel, 
command ;  1.  Forward  ;  2.  Guide  right ;  and  direct  them- 
selves towards  the  place  they  are  to  occupy  in  line,  con- 
forming, in  other  respects,  to  what  is  prescribed  for  by  in- 
version front  into  line,  when  the  left  is  in  front. 


126 


SCHOOL   Off   THE   SQUADRON. 


To  Break  by  Platoons  to  the  Right;  Head  of  Column  to  the 
Right  (or  Half  Right.) 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  the  first  captain  commands  : 
1.  Platoons  right  wheel— head  of  column  to  the  right  (or  half 
right.)    2.  March.    3.  Forward.   4.  Guide  left. 


W 


43 


p^-^-i  ii/L— ~^^- yi-.J -Hfe 


m 


Xrgl 


q[ic 


VIST 


[g.  78 


SCHOOL  OU   THE  SQUADRON.         127 

At  the  command  March,  each  platoon  executes  its  wheel 
to  the  right. 

At  the  third  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon 
commands:  1.  Right — Turn;  2.  Forward.  The  other 
platoons  move  on,  and  turn  successively  at  the  command  of 
their  chief,  on  the  same  ground. 

The  first  captain  commands,  Forward,  when  the  wheels 
are  nearly  completed. 


To  Form  Line  Faced  to  the  Rear  on  the  Head  of  the 
Column. 

The  squadron  being  in  column  with  distance,  right  in 
front,  to  form  line  upon  the  head  of  the  column  faced  to 
the  rear,  the  first  captain  commands : 

1.  By  inversion  front  into  line.     2.  March.    3.  Guide  left. 

Fig.  78.  Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  for  by  inver- 
sion front  into  line,  right  in  front,  but  without  rectifying 
the  alignment. 

The  squadron  being  formed,  the  first  captain  immediate- 
ly commands : 

1.  Platoons  left-about  wheel.  2.  March.  3.  Halt.  4.  Right 
—Dress.  5.  Front. 


To  Form  Line  Faced  to  the  Rear,  by  Inversion,  on  the 
Head  of  the  Column. 

The  squadron  being  in  column  with  distance,  right  in 
front,  and  obstacles'  are  presented  on  its  right  flank,  to  form 
line  upon  the  head  of  the  column,  faced  to  the  rear,  the 
first  captain  commands : 

1.  Front  into  line.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  right. 

Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  for  front  into  line,  right 
in  front,  but  without  rectifying  the  alignment. 


128         SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

The  squadron  being  formed,  the  first  captain  immediately 
commands : 

1.  Platoons  right-ahout  icheel.     2.  March.     3.  Halt.    4. 
Left — Dress.     5.  Front. 

Movements   by  Fours,  the   Squadron  being  in  Column 
with  Distance. 

To  gain  distance  towards  a  flank. 

The  squadron  being  in  column  with  distance,  right  in 
front,  to  cause  it  to  gain  ground  towards  its  left  flank,  the 
first  captain  commands : 

1.  By  fours  left  wheel.     2.  March.     3.  Forward.     4. 

Guide  right. 

Fig.  79.  At  the  command  March,  the  wheels  are  executed 
in  each  rank  by  fours,  as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the 
Platoon. 

If,  instead  of  moving  forward,  after  having  wheeled  to  left 
by  fours,  the  first  captain  wishes  to  halt  the  column,  he 
commands:  Halt. 

To  take  a  direction  parallel  to  the  first,  and  return  to 
column  with  distance,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  By  fours  right  wheel.     2.  March.     3.  Halt. 

Which  is  executed  on  the  same  principles,  but  by  inverse 
means. 

If,  instead  of  halting,  the  first  captain  wishes  the  column 
to  march  forward,  he  commands  :  1.  Forward;  2.  Guide  left. 

The  squadron  being  in  column  with  distance,  right  in 
front,  it  is  caused  to  gain  ground  towards  its  right  flank  by 
the  commands:  1.  By  fours  right  wheel;  2.  March;  '6. 
Forward;  4.  Guide  left;  and  to  resume  the  primitive  di- 
rection, at  the  commands:  1.  By  fours  left  wheel;  2. 
March;  3.  Halt  (or  Forward ;)  4.   Guide  left. 

To  march  to  the  rear. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON, 


129 


[1 


CTK 


«^^«  ■^S  m$fai  fegggifo 


Fig. 


130 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 


IJH 

*k^l 


The  squadron  being  in  column 
with  distance,  right  in  front,  to 
cause  it  to  march  to  the  rear,  the 
first  captain  commands : 


ca 


S3 


08 


!     j{J*j 


ta 


'L^ 


tXX7 


i^i    H? 


!       I' 


i^ 


l.JJBfy   /owrs    left-about  wJieel.     2. 
March.   3.  Forward.  4.  W(f« 

Figure  80.  At  the  command 
March,  the  movement  is  executed, 
in  each  rank  by  fours,  as  prescribed 
in  the  School  of  the  Platoon. 

If,  instead  of  moving  forward 
after  the  wheel  to  the  left-about  by 
fours,  the  first  captain  wishes  to 
halt  the  column,  he  commands : 
Halt. 

To  return  to  the  primitive  di- 
rection, the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  By  fours  right-about  wheel.     2. 
March.    3.  Halt. 

Which  is  executed  as  just  pre- 
scribed, but  by  inverse  means. 

If  the  first  captain  wishes  the 
column  to  march  forward,  he  com- 
mands :  1.  Forward.  2.  Guide 
left. 

In  all  the  movements  to  the 
left  and  to  the  right  by  fours, 
the  chiefs  of  platoon  move  up 
abreast  of  the  first  rank  of  their 
platoons,  on  the  side  of  the  guide. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 


131 


ARTICLE   THIRD. 

Direct  March  of  the  Squadron  in  Line. 

The  principles  of  the  direct  march,  prescribed  in  the 
School  of  the  Platoon,  are  applicable  to  the  squadron. 

The  troopers,  to  keep  aligned,  should  feel  lightly  the  boot 
of  the  men  on  the  side  of  the  guide ;  this  principle  is  borne 
constantly  in  mind,  as  it  is  the  only  means  of  being  at  ease 
in  the  ranks,  and  preserving  the  individual  alignment. 
With  respect  to  the  general  alignment,  the  non-commissioned 
officers  and  flank  files  endeavor  to  remain  aligned  between 
each  other ;  consequently  they  will  not  be  required  to  keep 


xl$ 


Sift     C^C    £§I 


ffil 


*3    4 


A% 


sflz 


I '  < 


!.    SJIPC. 


Fig.  81. 

the  eyefl  to  the  front,  but  from  time  to  time  will  give  a  glance 
towards  the  guide,  in  order  to  keep  on  the  same  line,  avoid- 
ing to  carry  the  bridle  hand  in  that  direction,  that  there 
may  be  no  crowding  in  the  ranks. 

The  regularity  of  the  march  in  line  depending  much  upon 


132         SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

the  attention  which  the  flank  files  pay  to  their  alignment, 
these  files  should  be  at  first  exercised  separately. 

The  squadron  being  in  line  and  correctly  aligned,  the 
first  captain  commands : 

1.  Flank  files  forward.     2.   Guide  right.     3.  March. 

Figure  81.  At  the  second  command,  the  particular 
guide  of  the  right  moves  up  abreast  of  the  chiefs  of  pla- 
toon ;  he  is  immediately  replaced  by  the  file-closer  of  the 
first  platoon. 

At  the  command  March,  the  chiefs  of  platoons,  the 
flank  files,  (right  and  left  file  of  each  platoon,)  and  the 
particular  guides,  move  straight  forward,  the  flank  files 
preserving  between  each  other  the  necessary  interval,  in 
order  to  receive  the  troopers  of  their  platoons,  and  when 
they  have  marched  thirty  paces,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands : 

1.  Flanh  files.     2.  Halt. 

At  the  command  Halt,  the  chiefs  of  platoon,  the  flank 
files,  and  the  particular  guides  halt. 

The  first  captain,  after  being  assured  that  the  flank 
files  have  marched  in  a  direction  perpendicular,  and 
upon  a  line  parallel  to  the  front  of  the  squadron,  com- 
mands : 

1.  Squadron  forward.     2.    Guide  right.     3.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  flank  files  and  the  squad- 
ron move  forward. 

The  flank  files  and  the  squadron  having  marched  cor- 
rectly in  the  given  direction,  to  halt  them,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  Squadron.     2.  Halt. 

At  the  command  Halt,  the  squadron  and  the  flank  files 
halt. 

To  cause  the  platoons  to  re-enter  their  places,  the  first 


SCHOOL    OF   THE    SQUADRON.  133 

captain,  after  giving  notice  to  the  flank  files  to  stand  fast, 
commands : 

1.   Squadron  forward.     2.  March. 

And  when  at  one  pace  from  the  flank  files,  he  commands  : 

1.  Squadron.     2.  Halt.     3.  Right — Dress.     4.  Front. 

At  the  second  command,  the  troopers  halt. 

At  the  third  command,  the  particular  guide  and  the 
file-closer  who  replaced  him  in  the  front  rank  of  the  squad- 
ron resume  their  places  in  the  line ;  the  troopers  return  to 
their  intervals  together,  and  dress  to  the  right. 

The  squadron  being  aligned,  the  first  captain  commands : 
Front. 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  to  move  forward,  the  first 
captain  commands : 

1.   Squadron  forward.     2.   Guide  right.     3.  March. 


Fig.  82. 

Fig.  82.  At  the  second  command,  the  particular  guide 
and  file-closer  of  the  first  platoon  conform  to  what  is  pre- 
scribed. 

At  the  command  March,  the  squadron  moves  forward. 

To  halt  the  squadron,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  Squadron.     2.  Halt.     3.  Eight — Dress.     4.  Front. 

At  the  second  command,  the  squadron  halts. 

At  the  third  command,  the  squadron  aligns  itself  as  pre- 
scribed. 

The  squadron  beiug  aligned,  the  first  captain  commands : 
Front. 


134 


SCHOOL   OP  THE   SQUADRON. 


Counter-march. 


The  squadron  being  in  line,  to  face  it  in  the  opposite  di- 
rection, the  first  captain  commands  : 


1.    Counter-march  by  the  right  jlanh. 
right.     3.  MARCH. 


2.  By  file   to  the 


3$  %> 


Figure  83.  At  the  second  com- 
mand, the  chiefs  of  platoon  turn  to 
the  right,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon 
placing  himself  in  front  of  his  first 
file ;  the  file-closers  turn  to  the  left, 
and  pass  to  the  left  of  the  squadron, 
those  of  the  second  division  abreast 
of  the  front  rank,  the  second  captain 
on  their  left,  those  of  the  first  divi- 
sion abreast  of  the  rear  rank. 

The  particular  guide  of  the  right 
places  himself  promptly  behind  the 
particular  guide  of  the  left,  facing  to 
the  rear,  the  croup  of  his  horse  six 
paces  from  the  rear  rank. 

At  the  command  March,  the 
movement  is  executed  as  prescribed 
in  the  School  of  the  Platoon. 

When  the  first  file  is  at  two  paces 
from  the  particular  guide  who  indi- 
cates the  place  where  it  is  to  form, 
the  first  captain  commands  : 
1.  Front.  2.  Halt.  3.  Right— 
Dress.    4.  Front. 

The  file-closers  follow  the  movement,  and  resume  their 
places  as  they  arrive  at  them. 

After  having  commanded  March,  the  first  captain 
moves  rapidly  to  the  flank  by  which  the  movement  is  exe- 
cuted, in  order  to  direct  the   head   of  the  column,  and 


%~*# 


Fief.  83. 


SCHOOL   OF  THE   SQUADRON.  135 

to  reform  the  squadron  to  the  rear  upon  a  line  parallel  to 
the  or, e  it  first  occupied 

At  the  command  Halt,  and  Bight — Dress,  the  second 
captain  turna-about  and  places  himseli  abreast  of  the  rear 
rank  to  ali^n  it. 

The  squadron  being  aligned,  the  first  captain  commands  : 
Front.  At  this  command,  the  chiefs  of  platoon  face  to 
the  front,  by  a  turn  to  the  left. 

The  counter-march  should  be  executed  generally  at  the 
trot.  For  this  purpose,  after  the  second  command,  the  first 
captain  indicates  the  gait. 

Wheelings. 

The  principles  prescribed  for  the  platoon  are  applicable 
to  the  squadron  wheeling  on  a  fixed  or  a  moveable  pivot. 
The  execution  of  it  becomes  more  difficult  as  the  front  is 
extended;  it  requires,  on  the  part  of  the  officers  and  troop- 
ers, a  particular  and  constant  attention. 

To  Wheel  on  a  Fixed  Pivot. 

The  squadron  is  exercised  in  wheeling  on  a  fixed  pivot, 
first  at  the  walk,  then  at  the  trot ;  also  at  the  gallop,  when 
the  troopers  are  confirmed  in  all  the  principles. 

The  squadron  being  halted  and  correctly  aligned,  the 
first  captain  commands : 

1.  Squadron  in  circle  right  wheel.     2.  March. 

Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the 
Platoon. 

To  halt  the  squadron  during  the  wheel,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  Squadron.     2.  Halt.      3.  Left — Dress.     4.  Front. 

At  the  first  command,  the  troopers  of  the  rear  rank 
straighten  their  horses,  and  resume  their  places  behind 
their  file-leaders. 


136        SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

At  the  second- command,  all  the  troopers  halt. 

At  the  third  command,  the  squadron  dresses  to  the  left. 

The  squadron  being  aligned,  the  first  captain  commands : 
Front. 

If,  instead  of  halting,  the  first  captain  wishes  to  resume 
the  direct  march,  he  commands  : 

1.  Forward.    2.   Guide  left. 

At  the  first  command,  the  troopers  of  the  rear  rank 
straighten  their  horses,  and  place  themselves  behind  their 
file-leaders,  and  the  whole  squadron  moves  forward  at  the 
gait  in  which  it  was  marching  before  the  wheel. 

The  squadron  wheeling  to  the  right,  at  the  walk  or  at  the 
trot,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  Squadron  in  circle  left  wheel.     2.  MARCH. 

At  the  first  command  the  rear  rank  men  return  to  the 
direction  of  the  file  leaders.  At  the  command  March  the 
left  flank  halts  and  becomes  the  pivot.  The  right  flank  as- 
suming the  gait  at  which  the  left  was  marching,  moves  for- 
ward and  describes  a  circle  proportionate  to  the  extent  of 
the  front.  All  the  other  troopers  straighten  their  horses, 
and  guide  them  so  as  to  pass  over  new  circles  in  an  inverse 
sense. 

The  squadron  being  halted,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands : 

C  right  (or  left)  wheel. 

1.    Squadron.  1  right-about  (or  left-about)  wheel, 
{^right-half  (or  left-half)  wheel. 
2.  March,    o.  Squadron.    4.  Halt.     5.  Left  (or  right) — 
Dress.    6.  Front. 

Figure  84.  Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  the 
School  of  the  Platoon. 

The  first  captain  allows  sufficient  time  to  elapse  between 
the  first  and  second  command,  for  the  troopers  to  gather 
their  horses,  that  they  may  commence  to  move  together. 

These  movements  are  executed  at  the  different  gaits ; 


SCHOOL   Ot   THE  SQUADRON. 


13' 


but  they  should  not  be  repeated  too  frequently  at  thegallojj, 


in  order  not  to  fatigue  the  horses. 


&?   ! 


\  \ 


I  I 

! ! 
i ' 

/  / 

;  ' 
/  ' 

/  / 

i 


/  / 
/  / 
'   / 


/  / 


Fig.  84. 


138 


SCHOOL   OF    THE   SQUADKON. 


To  Wheel  on  a  Moveable  Pivot. 

In  the  wheels  on  a  moveable  pivot,  the  pivot  should  de- 
scribe an  arc  of  circle  of  twenty  paces,  at  the  same  time 
slackening  the  gait ;  the  marching  flank  increases  its  gait. 
The  sixth  file^of  the  second  platoon,  which  is  the  middle 
of  the  radius  of  the  wheel,  preserves  the  gait  at  which  the 


ft 

1 1 


1 1 


1 1 
1 1 


V 


//  r 


*A    i\   site  Ms  4  ;';'   ^    <L      \  i 


Fig.  85. 

squadron  was  marching.  The  troopers  placed  between  this 
file  and  the  pivot  diminish  proportionally  their  gait ;  those 
placed  between  this  file  and  the  marching  flank  augment 
proportionally  theirs. 


SCHOOL    01'   THE    SQUADRON.  139 

The  wheel  on  a  moveable  pivot  is  executed  upon  the 
guide  or  upon  the  opposite  flank. 

After  a  wheel  on  a  moveable  pivot,  the  guide  remains 
where  it  was  before  the  wheel,  and  is  given  a  new  point  of 
direction. 

The  squadron  marching  in  line,  to  change  direction  to 
the  right,  the  first  captain  commands : 

1.  Eight — Turn.    2.  Forward. 

Figure  85.  Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  the 
School  of  the  Platoon,  the  pivot  describing  an  arc  of  circle 
of  twenty  paces. 

Individual  Oblique  March. 

-fmffimmmmmmmmmjtfm 3 

l*0/i  //  //  cfi 


ii 

1 1 


Fig.  86. 
Figure  86.   The  squadron  marching  in  line,  to  cause  it  to 
gain  ground  towards  its  right  flank,  without  changing  the 
front  of  the  squadron,  the  first  captain  commands : 
1.  Bight  oblique.     2.  March,  f 
To  resume  the  primitive  direction,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands : 

Forward. 
•    This  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the  Pla- 
toon. 


140 


SCHOOL   OF   THE  SQUADRON. 


Oblique  March  by  Platoons. 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  to  cause  it  to  gain  ground  to- 
wards its  right  flank,  by  the  oblique  march  by  platoons,  the 
first  captain  commands : 

1.  Platoons  right  half-wheel     2.  March.     3.  Forward. 
4.    Guide  right. 

Fig.  87.  At  the  command  March,  each  platoon  exe- 
cutes its  half-wheel  to  the  right,  on  a  fixed  pivot. 


JS 


Fig.  87. 

At  the  third  command,  each  platoon  moves  forward,  con- 
forming to  the  principles  of  the  direct  march. 

To  cause  the  squadron  to  resume  the  primitive  direction, 
the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  Platoons  left  half -wheel    2.  March.    3.  Forward.    4. 
Guide  right. 

Which  is  executed  as  just  prescribed,  but  by  inverse 
means. 

In  the  oblique  march  by  platoons,  the  pivots  of  the  pla-. 
toons  should  all  halt  at  the  same  instant,  at  the  command 


SCHOOL    OP   THE    SQUADRON. 


141 


March,  so  that  all  the  wheels  may  terminate  at  the  same 
time. 

During  this  march,  the  right  guide  of  the  first  platoon 
marches  directly  upon  the  point  which  has  been  indicated 
to  him.  The  guides  of  the  other  platoons  preserve  their 
distances,  take  for  file  leader  the  fourth  trooper  from  the 
left  of  the  platoon  which  precedes  them,  and  keep  at  two 
paces  from  him. 

Movements  by  Fours. 
To  gain  ground  to  the  right. 


s. 

£3 


Sill 


<E3 


SB 


Si. 

CD 


The  squadron  being  in  line,  to  cause 
it  to  gain  ground  towards  its  right  flank 
the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  By  fours  right  wheel.     2.  MARCH. 
8.  Forward.     4.  Guide  left. 

Fig.  88.  Which  is  executed  as  pre- 
scribed. The  chiefs  of  platoon  march 
on  the  side  of  the  guide,  at  one  pace 
from,  and  abreast  of  the  leading  files 
of  their  platoons. 


The   particular   guide   of  the 


right 
marches  in  front  of  the  column,  at  one 
pace  from  the  leading  rank  of  eight, 
the  particular  guide  of  the  left  behind 
the  last  rank  of  eight  of  the  fourth 
platoon. 


Fis.  88. 


142        SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

The  squadron  having  wheeled  to  the  right  by  fours,  and 
being  in  column,  to  change  direction  to  the  left,  the  first 
captain  commands  : 

Head  of  column  to  the  lejt. 

The  chief  of  the  first  platoon  commands:  1.  Left — Turn; 
2.  Forward. 

To  change  direction  to  the  right,  the  movement  is  exe- 
cuted on  the  same  principles,  but  by  inverse  means,  at  the 
command  :  Head  of  column  to  the  right. 

To  put  the  squadron  again  in  line,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands : 

1.  By  fours  left  wheel.  2.  March.  3.  Halt.  4.  Right — 
Dress.  5.  Front. 
These  movements  are  executed  by  the  left,  on  the  same 
principles,  at  the  commands:  1.  By  fours  left-ivheel;  2. 
March;  3.  Forward;  4.  Guide  right;  and  1.  By  fours 
right-wheel-  2.  March;  3.  Halt;  4.  Left — Dress;  5. 
Front. 

The  Squadron  being  in  Line,  to  Cause  it  to  Gain  Ground 
to  the  Rear,  and  to  Face  it  again  to  the  Front. 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  to  face  it  in  the  opposite  di- 
rection, the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  By  fours  right-about  icheel.  2.  March.  3.  Forward. 
4.  Guide  left. 

Fig.  89.  Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  the  School 
of  the  Platoon. 

The  chiefs  of  platoon,  the  file-closers,  and  the  particular 
guides,  wheel-about  individually,  and  march,  the  chiefs  of 
platoon  behind  the  centre  of  their  platoons,  the  file-closers 
in  front,  and  the  particular  guides  abreast  of  the  rear  rank, 
become  the  front. 

At  the  fourth  command,  the  file-closer  nearest  the  guide 
passes  to  the  left,  in  order  to  place  himself  in  front  of  the 
particular  guide ;  the  first  captain  gives  him  a  point  of  di- 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 


143 


.ft 


ra 


-TTvv«vvv,'a    ■.v^v'awva  m  ;':vvvri\< 


Fig.  89. 
rection,  which  is  also  indicated  to  the  particular  guide,  who, 
in  this  movement,  remains  on  the  flank  of  the  squadron. 

The  squadron  is  faced  again  to  the  front,  by  a  movement 
similar  to  the  one  just  stated. 

The  wheels  to  the  left-about  by  fours,  are  executed  on  the 
same  principles,  but  by  inverse  means. 

These  movements  by  fours  are  executed  from  a  halt,  and 
in  marching  at  the  walk  and  at  the  trot. 

The  Squadron  Marching  in  Line,  to  Break  it  by  Platoons, 
to  the  Right,  and  to  form  it  again  in  Line. 

The  squadron  marching  in  line,  to  cause  it  to  gain  ground 
towards  its  right  flank,  the  first  captain  commands : 


144  SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 


1.  Platoons  right-wheel.  2.  March.  3.  Forward.  4.  Guide 

left. 

Which  is  executed  as  prescribed,  the  pivots  halting  short, 
and  the  left  file  of  each  platoon  stepping  out  promptly,  and 
regulating  its  movements  upon  that  of  the  platoon  which  is 
in  front,  so  as  to  arrive  together  in  column. 

To  put  the  squadron  again  in  line,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands : 

1.  Platoons  left-wheel.   2.  March.   3.  Forward.    4.  Guide 
right. 

The  marching  flanks  regulate  their  movements  upon  those 
of  the  platoons  at  the  head  of  the  column,  so  as  to  arrive 
together  in  line. 

The  second  captain  gives  a  point  of  direction  to  the  par- 
ticular guide,  who  moves  up  on  the  line  of  officers,  and  in- 
dicates it  also  to  the  file-closer  who  replaces  him  on  the 
flank  of  the  squadron. 


The  Squadron  marching  in  Line,  to  march  it  to  the  Rear 
by  Wheeling  the  Platoons  About. 

The  squadron  marching  in  line,  guide  right,  the  first  cap- 
tain commands : 

1.  Platoons  right-about  wheel.     2.  March.     3.  Forward. 
4.  Guide  left. 

Figure  90.  At  the  command  March,  the  pivots  halt 
short,  and  turn  upon  themselves ;  the  marching  flanks  step 
off  at  the  same  instant,  regulating  themselves  by  the  right 
during  the  first  half  of  the  wheel,  so  as  to  arrive  together 
in  column,  and  by  the  left  during  the  second  half,  so  as  to 
arrive  together  in  line.  In  each  platoon,  the  rear-rank  and 
the  file-closers  carry  the  hand  towards  the  marching  flank, 
in  order  to  facilitate  the  movement. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 


145 


*s 


¥**/   sab 


^Lj^ftMf 


I 


---il  l---   -—"hi.  -  --  — "Tl 


Fig.  90. 

At' the  third  command,  the  squadron  resumes  the  direct 
march. 

At  the  fourth  command,  the  particular  guide  on  the  side 
indicated  moves  up  on  the  line  of  officers;  he  is  immedi- 
ately replaced,  and  a  point  of  direction  given. 

If,  after  wheeling  about,  the  first  captain  wishes  to  halt 
the  squadron,  instead  of  commanding  Forward,  he  com- 
mands:  3.  Halt;  4.  Left— Dress;  5.  Front. 


The  Squadron  marching  in  tine,  to  break  it  to  the  Front  by 
Platoons,  and  to  Re-form  it. 


The  first  captain  commands : 
1.  By  platoons  to  the  front.     2.  March. 

7 


3.  Guide  left. 


146 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 


The  squadron  marching  in  column  with  distance,  right 
in  front,  to  form  it  at  the  same  gait,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands : 

1.  Form  squadron.     2,  MARCH.     3.  Guide  right. 

The  Squadron  Marching  in  Iiine ;  to  Break  it  to  the  Front  by 
Platoons,  in  Doubling  the  Gait,  and  to  Re-form  it. 

'  The  first  captain  commands : 
1.  By  platoons  to  the  front— trot.  2.  March,  o.  Guide  left, 
At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  conv 


"S  \  /^^Af-AW Wa 


Fig.  91. 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON,         147 

eiands  :   Trot ;  and  those  of  the  three  other  platoons  com- 
mand :  Platoon  right  half-ioheel — trot. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  these  officers,  the 
movement  is  executed. 

To  form  squadron. 

The  s^uadrGn  marching  in  column  with  distance,  right  in 
front,  to  form  it  in  doubling  the  gait,  the  first  captain  com- 
mands: 

1.  Form  squadron — trot.    2.  March.    3.  Guide  right. 

Figure  91.  At  the  first  eommand,  the  chiefs  of  the  last 
three  platoons  command:  Platoon  left  half-wheel — trot. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  Gf  the 
three  last  platoons,  the  first  platoon  continues  to  march 
•straight  forward  at  the  walk,  and  its  chief  repeats  the  indi- 
cation of  the  guide. 

The  three  other  platoons  execute  their  JiaJf-zoheel  to  the 
left  at  the  txot,  on  &  fixed  pivot. 

The  half-wheels  being  nearly  terminated,  the  chiefs  of 
ihese  platoons  command:  J.  Forward;  X.  Guide  right; 
when  they  move  straight  forward,  and  as  soon  as  the  right 
file  of  their  platoon  is  in  the  direction  of  the  left  file  of  the 
platoon,  which  precedes,  they  command:  1.  Right  half- 
wheel;  2.  March;  3.  Forward;  and  then  walk;  in  suffi- 
cient time  to  command  March,  when  their  platoon  arrives 
in  line;  then  the  troopers  resume  the  walk,  and  align  them- 
selves in  marching. 

Each  platoon,  after  its  halfivheelto  the  left,  moves  straight 
forward  on  the  point  where  it  is  to  turn,  and  without  obliqu- 
ing toward  the  platoons  which  precede  it. 

The  second  captain  gives  a  point  of  direction  to  the  par- 
ticular guide  of  the  right,  who  moves  upon  the  line  of  offi- 
cers at  the  command,  guide  right 


148 


SCHOOL    OF  THE   SQUADRON. 


^|tK?jfc     S'V,  Xjj       SA 


\    SslJgj 


jdQ  s.fiii.  cftc;  s§i,  \     e$ 


Fig.  92. 
Passage  of  Obstacles.  * 


The  squadron  marching  in  line,  to  execute  the  passage  of 
obstacles,  the  first  captain  commands : 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON.  149 

1.   Obstacle.     2.  First  platoon.     3.  Halt. 

Figure  92.     At  the  command   Halt,  repeated  by  the 
chief  of  the  first  platoon,  this  platoon  halts,  and  its  chief 
immediately  commands : 
■ 
1.  Left  oblique — trot.     2.  March. 

And  this  platoon  doubles  upon  the  second. 
When  the  platoon  which  has  obliqued  is  in  rear  of  the 
one  upon  which  it  has  doubled,  its  chief  commands : 

1.  Forward.      2.   Guide  right.      3.    Walk.      4.  March. 

To  cause  the  platoon  which  has  obliqued  to  return  to  its 
place,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  First 'platoon.     2.  Into  Line. 

At  the  command  Into  Line,  the  chief  of  the  platoon 
commands : 

1.  Right  oblique — trot.     2.  MARCH. 

When  opposite  the  ground  the  platoon  is  to  occupy,  he 
commands : 

1.  Forward.     2.   Guide  left.     3.    Walk;    and  when  the 
platoon  is  in  line,  4.  March. 

The  chief  of  the  platoon  commands :  Forward,  a  little 
before  its  left  file  has  passed  beyond  the  right  file  of  the 
platoon  on  which  it  is  to  form. 

The  squadron  marching  in  line,  to  execute  the  passage 
of  obstacles  upon  the  head  of  each  platoon,  the  captain 
commands : 

1.  In  each  platoon — by  fours  (or  by  twos) — trot  2.  MARCH. 
3.    Guide  right. 


150         SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

Figure  93.  At  the 
first  command,  the 
chiefs  of  platooon  com- 
mand : 

By  fours  (or  by  twos — 
trot. 

At  the  command 
March,  repeated  by 
these  officers,  each  pla- 
toon breaks  by  fours  as 
prescribed ;  the  chiefs 
of  platoon  march  at  the 
head  of  their  platoons; 
the  particular  guide  of 
the  right,  who  marches 
on  the  line  of  officers, 
places  himself  on  the 
right  of  the  first  pla- 
toon j  the  particular 
guide  of  the  left,  in 
rear  of  the  fourth  pla- 
toon, and  the  file-closers 
upon  the  right  flank  of 
their  platoons. 
,  Each  platoon  be- 
ing thus  broken  in 
column,  should  pre- 
serve   a    direction 

parallel  to  that  of      s0  cft 

the   one  which   is  . 

the    guide,    keep-  lg*    °' 

ing  on   the  same  line,  and   always  at  the   distance  of  its 
front,  to  be  able  at  any  moment  to  reform  in  line. 

If  the  ground  requires  a  platoon  to  deviate  from  its  di- 
rection, it  should  return  to  it  as  soon  as  possible,  and  re- 
cover its  proper  distance  with  respect  to  the  side  toward  the 
guide 


SCHOOL    0¥   THE    SQUADRON.  151 

In  marching  thus,  the  first  captain  may  cause  the  squad- 
ron to  break  by  twos  and  hy  file,  observing  to  form  twos  and 
fours  as  soon  as  the  ground  will  permit. 

To  reform  the  squadron,  each  platoon  having  broken  by 
fours  or  by  twos  at  the  trot,  right  in  front,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  Form  platoons.     2.  March.     3.   Guide  right. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chiefs  of  platoon  command : 

Form  platoon. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  these  officers,  each 
platoon  forms  as  prescribed. 

If  the  ground  does  not  permit  all  the  platoons  to  form 
at  once,  the  one  before  which  the  obstacle  is  presented 
form  in  rear  of  the  other  platoon  of  its  division,  and  re- 
takes its  place  in  line  as  soon  as  practicable. 

ARTICLE  FOURTH. 

Charge. 

In  the  charge,  as  in  every  other  direct  march,  it  is  im- 
portant to  keep  the  horses  straight.  As  soon  as  any  con- 
fusion is  observed,  it  is  necessary  to  halt  and  recommence 
the  movement. 

The  squadron  is  exercised  at  the  charge : 

1.   In  line.     2.  Li  column.     3.  As  foragers. 

The  charge  in  line  is  executed  by  the  squadron  when  in 
line ;  it  should  be  as  short  as  possible,  so  as  to  arrive  in 
good  order,  and  without  fatiguing  the  horses. 

The  charge  in  column  is  executed  by  the  squadron  bro- 
ken in  column  with  distance. 


152         SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

To  execute  the  charge  as  foragers,  all  the  troopers  of  the 
squadron  disperse,  and  direct  themselves  each  upon  the 
point  he  wishes  to  attack,  observing  not  to  lose  sight  .of 
their  officers,  who  charge  with  them. 

The  line  upon  which  the  squadron  should  reform  after 
the  charge,  is  marked  out. by  two  non-commissioned  officers 
who  are  file-closers,  and  who  are  placed  two  hundred  and 
forty  paces  in  front,  facing,  and  at  a  distance  from  each 
other  equal  to  the  front  of  the  squadron. 

Non-commissioned  officers  are  also  placed  opposite  the 
right  flank  at  the  different  points  where  the  changes  of  gait 
should  take  place. 

If  the  guide  is  on  the  left,  they  are  placed  opposite  the 
left  flank. 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  the  first  captain  orders  the 
sabres  to  be  drawn,  and  the  platoons  to  charge  one  after 
another,  commencing  by  the  right. 

For  this  purpose  the  first  captain  advances  two  hundred 
and  forty  paces  to  the  front,  taking  a  trumpeter  with  hiin; 
and  when  he  wishes  the  movement  to  commence,  he  causes 
a  signal  to  be  given. 

The  first  platoon  then  moves  forward  at  the  commands 
of  its  chief.  It  passes  successively  from  the  walk  to  the 
trot,  from  the  trot  to  the  gallop,  and  from  the  gallop  to  the 
charge. 

The  three  other  platoons  break  in  their  turn,  when  the 
preceding  one  has  halted. 

To  execute  the  charge  by  the  entire  squadron,  the  first 
captain  places  himself  in  front  of  the  centre  of  his  squad- 
ron, and  commands : 

1.   Squadron  forward.     2.    Guide  right  (or  left.)     3. 
March. 

When  the  squadron  has  marched  forward  twenty  paces, 
lit  commands : 

1.   Trot.    2.  March. 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         153 

At  sixty  paces  farther,  he  commands : 

1.  Gallop.     2.  March. 

At  eighti/  paces  farther,  he  commands : 

Charge. 

When  the  squadron,  after  having  passed  over  sixty  paces 
at  the  charge,  is  twenty  paces  from  the  non-commissioned 
officers  who  mark  the  line,  the  first  captain  commands :     % 

1.  Attention.     2.  Squadron.    3.  Halt.    4.  Right— Dress. 
5.  Front. 

At  the  command  Attention,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  pla- 
toon, the  troopers  prepare  to  slacken  the  pace,  and  carry  the 
sabre  to  the  shoulder. 

At  the  command  Squadron,  the  chiefs  of  platoon  com- 
mand :  Platoon,  and  the  troopers  pass  to  the  trot. 

At  the  command  Halt,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  pla- 
toon, the  troopers  halt. 

At  the  command  Right— Dress,  they  align  themselves 
to  the  right. 

The  squadron  being  aligned,  the  first  captain  commands: 
Front. 

When  the  squadron  executes  the  charge  correctly,  in- 
stead of  baiting  when  the  charge  is  finished,  the  first  cap- 
tain commands : 

1.  Attention.     2.  Trot.     3.  March. 

At  these   commands,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  platoon, 
the  squadron  passes  to  the  trot,  and  at  twenty  paces  beyond 
.    the  line  marked  out,  he  commands : 

X.  First  (or  fourth)  platoon — as  foragers.     2.  March. 


154        ,  SCHOOL,  OF   THE   SQUADRON. 

At  these  commands,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the  platoon 
designated,  the  platoon  moves  forward  at  the  gallop,  and 
disperses  as  foragers.  A  trumpeter  follows  the  chief  of  the 
platoon. 

The  squadron  follows  this  platoon  at  the  trot :  when  it 
has  passed  over  one  hundred  and  fifty  paces,  the  first  cap- 
tain causes  the  rally  to  be  sounded.  At  this  signal,  repeat- 
ed by  the  trumpeter  of  the  platoon  dispersed  as  foragers, 
the  latter  rally  upon  the  squadron,  and  when  three-fourths 
of  the  platoon  have  rallied  and  are  in  line,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  Attention.    2.  Gallop.     3.  March.    4.  Charge. 

The  squadron  executes  again  the  charge  in  line;  the 
troopers  who  have  not  been  able  to  rally,  charge  upon  the 
flanks  of  the  squadron. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  with  distance,  at  the 
trot,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  To  the  charge.     2.  March. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  com- 
mands :   Gallop. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the 
first  platoon,  this  platoon  commences  the  gallop. 

The  other  platoons  follow  at  the  trot,  each  taking  the  gal- 
lop, when  the  platoon  which  precedes  is  at  the  distance  of 
fifty  paces. 

When  the  first  platoon  has  passed  over  eighty  paces  at  the 
gallop,  its  chief  commands : 

Charge. 

At  this  command,  the  platoon  executes  the  charge;  and 
when  it  has  passed  over  sixty  paces,  its  chief  causes  it  to 
pass  at  the  trot,  by  the  commands  : 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         155 


1.  Attention;  2.  Trot;  3.  March. 

The  other  platoons  pay  attention  to  the  movements  of  the 
platoon  which  precedes  them,  so  as  to  change  the  gait  in 
time,  and  to  resume  their  ordinary  distance;  the  first  cap- 
tain halts  the  column  when  he  thinks  proper. 

These  charges  are  executed,  each  platoon  taking  in  its 
turn  the  head  of  the  column. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  with  distance,  at  the 
trot,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  First  platoon  as  foragers.     2.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the 
first  platoon,  this  platoon  disperses  as  foragers.  The  squad- 
ron continues  to  march  at  the  trot,  and  when  it  has  passed 
over  one  hundred  or  one  hundred  and  fifty  paces,  the  first 
captain  causes  the  rally  to  be  sounded. 

At  this  signal,  the  platoon  rallies  and  reforms  at  the  rear 
of  the  column,  or  at  its  place  in  line  if  the  squadron  has 
been  put  in  line. 


Rallying. 

To  give  the  troopers  the  habit  of  rallying  promptly,  after 
having  been  dispersed  as  foragers,  the  first  captain  places 
the  squadron  at  the  extremity  of  the  ground;  and  after 
giving  notice  to  the  files  on  the  flanks  of  platoons,  the  file- 
closers  and  the  trumpeters,  to  remain  upon  the  line  with 
him,  he  causes  the  disperse  to  be  sounded.  At  this  signal, 
the  troopers  disperse  and  charge  as  foragers;  when  they 
are  at  the  distance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  or  two  hundred 
paces,  the  first  captain  causes  the  rally  to  be  sounded. 

The  first  captain  observes  that  the  troopers  disperse  with- 
out confusion ;  that,  in  rallying,  they  direct  themselves  to 
the  right  and  to  the  left,  outside  of  the  flanks  of  the  squad- 


156         SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

ron,  in  order  to  unmask  promptly  the  front  of  the  squadron, 
and  to  re-form  in  passing  by  the  rear. 

When  the  troopers  rally  without  confusion,  this  move- 
ment is  repeated  without  requiring  the  flank  files,  etc.,  to 
remain  on  the  line  of  the  squadron. 

At  the  signal  to  disperse,  the  squadron  disperses  in  every 
direction  to  the  front. 

When  the  squadron  is  dispersed,  the  first  captain  causes 
the  rally  to  be  sounded. 

At  this  signal,  the  officers,  the  non-commissioned  officers, 
and  the  troopers  rejoin  rapidly;  the  officers  align  them- 
selves promptly  upon  the  first  captain,  and  the  non-com- 
missioned officers  mark  immediately  the  flanks  of  the  pla- 
toons. 

As  soon  as  the  first  captain  has  formed  two-thirds  of  the 
squadron,  he  moves  forward,  charges  again,  and  halts. 

When  the  squadron  is  dispersed  as  foragers,  the  first  cap- 
tain should  sometimes  establish  himself  to  the  right  or  to 
the  left  of  the  direction  followed  by  the  troopers,  and  then 
order  the  rally  to  be  sounded,  to  accustom  them  to  rally 
upon  any  point  he  may  select. 

These  movements  are  first  executed  at  the  trot,  and  then 
at  the  gallop. 

Light  cavalry  should  be  particularly  exercised  in  charg- 
ing as  foragers  and  in  rallying. 


Skirmishing. 

WThen  the  squadron  is  in  sight  of  the  skirmishers,  the 
first  captain  orders  no  signal  except  the  rally.  The  chief 
of  the  skirmishers  observes  the  movements  of  the  squadron 
he  covers,  and  conforms  to  them  as  soon  as  practicable,  re- 
quiring his  trumpeter  to  sound  the  necessary  signals. 

When  the  squadron  changes  front,  the  chief  of  the  skir- 
mishers moves  upon  the  new  front,  unless  the  first  captain 
gives  orders  to  the  contrary. 

If  the  squadron  is  out  of  sight  of  the  skirmishers,  the 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         157 

first  captain  causes  the  signals  which  correspond  to  the 
movements  he  executes  to  be  sounded,  in  order  to  give  no- 
tice to  the  chief  of  the  skirmishers,  who  conforms  to  them 
as  soon  as  practicable. 

The  trumpeter  who  follows  the  chief  of  the  skirmishers 
should  give  the  signals  only  upon  the  order  of  that  officer. 
The  skirmishers  should  execute  their  movements  only  by 
the  signals  of  the  trumpeter  who  accompanies  the  officer 
who  commands  them. 

With  respect  to  the  signals,  as  well  as  to  commence  and 
to  cease  firing,  the  troopers  conform  to  what  is  prescribed 
in  the  School  of  the  Platoon. 

When  several  platoons  act  as  skirmishers,  the  firing  is 
commenced  by  the  right  of  each  platoon. 

When  a  squadron  is  acting  as  skirmishers,  the  first  cap- 
tain is  always  followed  by  a  trumpeter.  The  others  are 
placed  several  steps  in  rear  of  the  line  of  skirmishers,  at 
equal  distances  from  the  centre  to  the  extremities,  in  order 
to  repeat  as  soon  as  possible  the  signals  given  by  the  trum- 
peter of  the  first  captain. 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  First  (or  fourth)  platoon — as  skirmishers.     2.  March. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  or- 
ders the  sabres  to  be  returned,  the  holsters  to  be  uncovered, 
and  the  arms  to  be  loaded ;  he  then  commands : 

1.  Platoon  forward.     2.    Guide  right.     3.    Trot. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the 
platoon,  this  platoon  moves  forward.  After  marching  one 
hundred  paces  to  the  front,  the  chief  of  the  platoon  com- 
mands : 

1    Six  files  from  right  (or  from  left) — as  skirmishers.     2. 
March.     3.   Guide  right  (or  guide  left?) 

Which  is  executed  as  prescribed. 


158        SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON. 

When  the  first  captain  wishes  the  skirmishers  to  re-enter 
the  squadron,  he  causes  the  rally  to  be  sounded. 

At  this  signal,  the  chief  of  the  skirmishers  rallies  his 
platoon,  and  then  rejoins  the  squadron  at  the  gallop,  di- 
recting himself  upon  one  of  the  flanks  to  resume  his  place 
in  line. 

When  the  first  captain  wishes  to  relieve  a  platoon  which 
is  skirmishing,  the  chief  of  the  new  platoon,  after  causing 
the  arms  to  be  loaded,  moves  forward  upon  the  reserve  of 
the  platoon  which  is  acting  as  skirmishers.  On  coming  up 
abreast  of  it,  he  orders  out  six  files  as  skirmishers,  as  has 
been  explained  j  the  remaining  six  files  halt  and  draw  sa- 
bres. 

As  soon  as  the  new  skirmishers  have  passed  five  paces 
beyond  those  they  are  to  relieve,  the  latter  turn-about  and 
rally  upon  their  reserve.  The  platoon,  having  rallied,  is 
conducted  back  to  the  squadron  at  the  trot. 

When  the  entire  squadron  is  to  act  as  skirmishers,  the 
first  captain  orders  the  sabres  to  be  returned,  the  holsters  to 
be  uncovered,  and  the  arms  to  be  loaded ;  he  then  com- 
mands : 

1.    Squadron  forward.      2.    Guide   right.      3.    Trot.     4. 
March. 

Having  arrived  at  the  point  where  the  reserve  is  to  be 
established,  about  one  hundred  paces  from  the  front  of  the 
body  to  be  covered,  and  more  if  it  has  been  commanded, 
the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  First  three  (or  last  three)  platoons  as  skirmishers.     2. 
March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  chief  of  the  platoon  which 
is  to  support  the  skirmishers  halts  that  platoon,  and  orders 
the  sabres  to  be  drawn.  The  chiefs  of  the  three  other  pla- 
toons continue  to  march  on,  each  directing  himself  by  the 
shortest  route,  one  hundred  paces  to  the  front  towards  the 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         159 

part  of  the  line  his  platoon  is  to  occupy,  and  having  reached 
it.  he  disperses  his  platoon  as  skirmishers. 

The  right  platoon  covers  the  right  of  the  regiment,  and 
extends  thirty  or  forty  paces  beyond  it;  another  platoon 
covers  the  centre,  and  the  left  platoon  covers  the  left,  ex- 
tending also  thirty  or  forty  paces  beyond.  The  chiefs  of 
these  platoons  remain  twenty-five  paces  in  rear  of  the  line  of 
skirmishers,  and  pass  over  the  extent  occupied  by  the 
troopers  of  their  platoons. 

The  reserve  remains  in  rear  of  the  centre  of  the  line  of 
skirmishers.  If  the  first  captain  thinks  proper  to  divide  it, 
each  fraction  moves  upon  the  point  designated,  the  first 
commanded  by  the  officer,  the  other  by  the  non-commis- 
sioned officer  who  was  the  file-closer. 

The  first  captain,  followed  by  the  first  sergeant,  keeps 
habitually  half  way  between  the  reserve  and  the  skirmish- 
ers, to  direct  the  movements. 

The  second  captain,  followed  by  the  second  sergeant, 
passes  the  line,  and  gives  notice  to  the  first  captain  of 
everything  that  it  is  important  for  him  to  know. 

If  the  first  captain  wishes  to  rally  the  skirmishers  upon 
themselves,  he  causes  the  rally  of  skirmishers  to  be  sounded. 

At  this  signal,  each  platoon  rallies  as  rapidly  as  possible 
upon  its  chief 

If  the  first  captain  then  wishes  to  rally  the  squadron,  ho 
moves  upon  the  point  where  he  intends  it  shall  form,  and 
causes  the  rally  to  be  sounded  when  three-fourths  of  each 
platoon  has  rallied. 

At  this  new  signal,  the  reserve  and  each  platoon  of 
skirmishers  move  at  a  gallop  upon  the  point -where  the 
captain  commanding  is  placed.  The  troopers  who  did  not 
rejoin  their  platoon  when  it  rallied  upon  itself,  direct  them- 
selves  towards  the  squadron. 

The  squadron  being  dispersed  as  skirmishers,  if  the  first 
captain  wishes  it  to  rally  immediately,  he  orders  the  rally 
to  be  sounded  j  at  this  signal,  the  officers,  the  skirmishers, 
and  the  reserve,  rally  upon  the  point  occupied  by  the  first 
captain. 


160  SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 

The  troopers  being  dispersed  as  skirmishers,  if  the  first 
captain  wishes  them  to  charge  as  foragers,  he  orders  them 
to  cease  firing,  and  causes  the  disperse  to  be  sounded. 

At  this  signal,  the  chiefs  of  platoon  move  forward  in 
line,  and  the  skirmishers  draw  sabres ;  they  charge  imme- 
diately. The  reserve  follows  at  the  trot  or  at  the  gallop,  as 
may  be  necessary. 

After  the  charge,  the  first  captain  orders  the  rally  to 
be  sounded,  when  the  troopers  rally  in  rear  of  the  re- 
serve. 

The  skirmishers  being  rallied  by  platoons,  if  the  first 
captain  wishes  to  charge,  he  orders  the  charge  to  be 
sounded. 

At  this  signal,  each  chief  of  platoon  conducts  his  pla- 
toon to  the  charge  in  good  order ;  the  reserve  supports  the 
movement  at  the  trot  or  at  the  gallop. 

The  platoons  rally  behind  the  reserve ;  the  first  captain 
moves  upon  that  point  at  the  same  time  that  he  orders  the 
rally  to  be  sounded. 


The  Column  by  Divisions. 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  if  the  first  captain  wishes  to 
form  it  in  column  by  divisions,  he  commands : 

1.  Divisions  right  for  left)  wheel.     2.  March.     3.  Halt 
(or  Forward.)     4.   Guide  left  (or  right.) 

The  principles  prescribed  for  the  columns  by  platoons 
are  applicable  to  the  march  in  column  by  divisions,  the  dif- 
ferent modes  of  passing  from  line  into  column,  and  from 
column  into  line. 

.  To  gain  ground  towards  its  flanks  or  to  the  rear,  employ 
the  means  prescribed  for  the  column  by  platoons.  The 
wheels- about  can  also  be  executed  by  divisions. 

The  distance  measured  from  the  croup  of  the  horses  of 
the  rear  rank  of  one  division,  to  the  head  of  the  horses  of 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         161 

the  division  which  follows,  should  be  equal  to  the  front  of 
the  division,  minus  the  depth  of  the  two  ranks. 

In  the  wheels  on  a  moveable  pivot  by  divisions,  the  ninth 
file  of  the  platoon  upon  which  the  wheel  is  executed  is  the 
middle  point  of  the  radius  of  the  wheel.  The  pivot  de- 
scribes an  arc  of  circle  of  ten  paces. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  platoons,  right  in 
front,  to  form  the  divisions  at  the  same  gait,  the  first  cap- 
tain commands : 

] .  Form  divisions.     2.  March. 

At  the  first  command;  the  chiefs  of  the  second  and  fourth 
platoons  command  : 

Platoon  left  half -wheel. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  same  officers, 
the.  second  and  fourth  platoons  execute  a  half-wheel  to  the 
left  on  a  fixed  pivot.  The  first  and  third  platoons  continue 
to  march  straight  forward,  and  having  marched  thirty 
paces,  their  chiefs  command  : 

Halt. 

The  chiefs  of  the  second  and  fourth  platoons,  when  the 
half -wheel  to  the  left  is  nearly  terminated,  command  : 

1.  Forward.     2.    Guide  right. 

They  move  straight  forward,  and  as  soon  as  the  right  file  of 
their  platoon  arrives  in  the  direction  of  the  left  file  of  the 
platoon  which  precedes,  they  command : 

1.  Right  half-wheel.     2.  MARcn.     8.  Forward. 

They  move  forward,  and  command,  Halt,  on  arriving 
abreast  of  the  platoon  belonging  to  the  same  division. 


1(32  SCHOOL    01"    THE    SQUADRON. 

The  lieutenants  commanding  divisions  then  commands : 
Left — Dress,  move  to  the  left  of  the  division,  rectify  the 
alignment,  command  :  Front,  and  return  to  the  centre  of 
their  platoons. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  trot,  to  form  division,  at  the 
same  gait,  conform  to  the  principles  just  prescribed,  except 
that  the  chiefs  of  the  first  and  third  platoons,  at  the  first 
command,  command:  Walk;  at  the  command,  March, 
repeated  by  them,  their  platoons  pass  to  the  walk,  continue 
to  march  on  ;  and  that  the  chiefs  of  the  second  and  fourth 
platoons,  which  execute  their  movements  in  marching  at 
the  trot,  command :  Walk,  in  sufficient  time  to  command 
March  when  their  platoons  come  up  abreast  of  those  on 
which  they  are  to  form. 

The  first  captain  then  commands : 

Guide  left. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  gallop,  to  form  the  divisions 
at  the  same  gait,  conform  to  the  same  principles,  the  first 
and  third  platoons  passing  to  the  trot  at  the  command 
March,  and  the  second  and  fourth  platoons  taking  the  trot 
as  they  come  up. 

The  column  having  the  left  in  front,  conform  to  the  same 
principles,  the  first  and  third  platoons  executing  in  an  in- 
verse sense  what  has  been  prescribed  for  the  second  and 
fourth;  and  the  latter  conforming  to  what  has  been  pre- 
scribed for  the  first  and  third. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  divisions,  right  in 
front,  to  break  the  divisions  by  platoons,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  By  platoons.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  left. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chiefs  of  the  second  and  fourth 
platoons  command  : 

Platoon  right  half  wheel. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON;  163 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  same  officers, 
the  second  and  fourth  platoons  execute  a  half-wheel  to  the 
right  on  a  fixed  pivot,  and  the  first  and  third  platoons  con- 
tinue to  march  on. 

The  chiefs  of  the  second  and  fourth  platoons,  the  half- 
wheel  to  the  right  being  nearly  terminated,  command  : 

1 .  Forward.    2.  Guide  left 

They  move  straight  forward,  and  as  soon  as  the  left  file  of 
their  platoon  arrives  in  the  direction  of  the  left  file  of  the 
platoon  which  precedes,  they  command  : 

1.  Left  half-wheel.     2.  March.     3.  Forward. 

And  move  forward  in  taking  their  proper  distances. 

The  divisions  are  broken  by  platoons  on  the  same  princi- 
ples, by  marching  at  the  trot  or  at  the  gallop. 

The  column  having  the  left  in  front,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  By  the  left — by  platoons.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  right. 

Which  is  executed  on  the  same  principles,  the  first  and 
third  platoons  executing  in  an  inverse  sense  what  is  pre- 
scribed for  the  second  and  fourth,  and  the  latter  conforming 
to  what  is  prescribed  for  the  first  and  third  platoons. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  platoons,  right  in 
front,  to  form  divisions  in  doubling  the  gait,  the  first  captain 
commands : 

1.  Form  divisions — trot.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  left. 

Which  is  executed  as  prescribed,  the  first  and  third  pla- 
toons continuing  to  march  at  the  same  gait,  and  the  chiefs 
of  the  second  and  fourth  platoons  commanding  : 

1.  Platoon  If  ft  half wheel— trot.   2.  Mahciii.   3.  Forward. 
4.  Guide  right. 


164  SCHOOL   OF   THE   SQUADRON. 

And 

1.  Right  half-wheel    2.  March.    3.  Forward.    4.  Walk. 

When   they  arrive  abreast  of  the  platoon,  on  which  they 
form;  they  command  : 

5.  March. 

The  column  marching  at  the  trot,  the  divisions  are  form- 
ed at  the  gallop,  on  the  same  principles;  at  the  commands: 

1.  Form  divisions — gallop.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  left. 

When  the  column  is  at  the  gallop,  the  divisions  are  form- 
ed at  the  same  gait,  the  first  and  third  platoons  taking  the 
trot  at  the  command  March. 

The  squadron  marching  in  column  by  divisions,  right  in 
front,  to  break  the  divisions  by  platoons,  in  doubling  the 
gait,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  By  platoons — trot.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  right. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chiefs  of  the  first  and  third 
platoons  commands:  Trot;  those  of  the  second  and  fourth 
platoons  commands:  Platoon  right  half-whejsl — trot. 

At  the  command  March,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  pla- 
toon, the  first  and  third  platoons  move  forward  at  the  trot. 
The  second  and  fourth  execute  their  half-wheel  to  the  right 
on  a  fixed  pivot,  at  the  trot,  and  the  movement  is  executed 
as  prescribed. 

The  column  being  at  the  trot  to  break  by  platoons  at  the 
gallop,  conform  to  the  same  principles,  at  the  commands: 

1.  By  platoons — gallop.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  left. 

When  the  column  marches  at  the  gallop,  the  divisions 
are  broken  at  the  same  gait. 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SQUADRON.         165 

The  squadron  being  in  line,  to  break  it  by  divisions  by 
the  right  to  march  to  the  left,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  Divisions  break  by  the  right — to  march  to  the  left. 
2.  March. 

Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  for  the  column  by  pla- 
toons, each  first  lieutenant  commanding  successively,  March, 
when  the  division  which  precedes  arrives  opposite  the  cen- 
tre of  the  second  platoon  of  his  own  division. 

The  same  principles  are  observed,  to  break  by  the  left  to 
march  to  the  right. 

To  break  the  squadron  by  divisions  to  the  rear  by  the 
right,  to  march  to  the  left,  the  first  captain  commands  : 

1.  Divisions  break  by  the  right  to  the  rear — to  march  to  the 
left.    2.  March. 

Which  is  executed  as  prescribed  for  the  column  by  pla- 
toons, 


PROFESSOR  CHISOLM'S 

MILITARY   SURGERY. 

A  Manual  of  Military  Surgery,  for  the  use  of  Surgeons  in  the 
Confederate  States  Army ;  with  an  Appendix  of  the  Rules 
and  Regulations  of  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Confede- 
rate States  Army.  By  J.  Julian  Chisolm,  M.  D.,  Professor 
of  Surgery  in  the  Medical  College  of  South  Carolina,  Sur- 
geon in  the  C.  S.  Army.  Second  Edition.  Revised  and  im- 
proved.   Price,  $3.    By  Mail,  $3  50. 

"We  are  indebted  to  the  publishers,  Messrs.  West  &  Johnston, 
for  a  copy  of  the  above  valuable  work,  the  appearance  of  which, 
in  a  new  and  improved  edition,  we  hail  with  peculiar  pleasure, 
as  it  affords  gratifying  evidence  that  the  author's  labors  have  re- 
ceived their  merited  appreciation.  The  first  edition  of  Dr.  Chis- 
olm's  Manual  filled  a  void  in  our  medical  literature,  which,  though 
un felt  in  the  'piping  times  of  peace,' became  urgently  manifest 
at  the  outbreak  of  hostilities.  Many  excellent  physicians,  who 
sought  and  obtained  positions  in  the  Medical  Staff  of  the  army, 
felt  the  need  of  some  convenient  and  comprehensive  work  which 
should  instruct  them  in  the  peculiar  duties  of  the  Army  Surgeon, 
and  serve  them  as  a  companion  and  guide  in  the  most  important 
emergencies  of  military  practice.  Dr.  Chisolm's  book  met  the 
necessities  of  the  case  in  a  very  satisfactory  manner,  as  is  fully 
attested  by  the  rapid  exhaustion  of  the  first  edition.  We  take  it 
for  granted  that  those  Medical  officers  who  have  not  already  sup- 
plied themselves  with  it  will  not  lose  the  present  opportunity  of 
making  it  their  vade  mecum. 

"  Probably  the  most  valuable  portion  of  the  work  is  contained 
in  the  first  four  chapters,  which  relate  to  the  hygieina  of  troops 
on  the  march  and  in  camp — the  organization  and  management  of 
hospitals — the  duties  of  the  Surgeon  in  camp  and  on  the  field  of 
battle,  &c.  In  the  remaining  chapters,  will  be  found  a  very  full 
and  excellent  account  of  the  treatment  of  gun-shot  and  other 
wounds  and  injuries,  and  their  various  complications,  constitut- 
ing an  admirable  guide  to  the  Military  Surgeon  in  most  of  the 
emergencies  which  he  may  be  called  upon' to  encounter.  The 
regulations  of  the  Medical  Department  of  the  army,  contained  in 
the  Appendix,  are  of  course  a  sine  qua  non  to  every  medical  offi- 
cer." 

The  above  notice  is  from  the  able  pen  of  Professor  Joynes, 
of  the  Virginia  Medical  College. 

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Year  of  the  War/'  &c,  &c. 

1.  Letter  to  President  Lincoln,  written  at  Washington. 

2.  u  President  Lincoln,        "  " 

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